How Long Does It Take to Get Tax Transcripts After Filing?
Learn how long it takes to receive tax transcripts after filing, what affects processing times, and what to do if there’s a delay.
After filing your taxes, you may need a tax transcript to verify income, apply for loans, or resolve IRS issues. These transcripts summarize your return and come in different formats depending on your needs.
The time it takes to receive your transcript depends on how you request it and whether you filed electronically or by mail. Some methods are faster, but delays can occur due to processing backlogs or errors in your request.
How to Request Your Transcript
The IRS provides multiple ways to obtain a tax transcript. You can request one online, by phone, or through the mail.
Online
The fastest method is the IRS’s “Get Transcript Online” tool. To use this service, you must create an account on the IRS website and verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, a financial account number (such as a credit card or mortgage account), and a mobile phone number in your name. Once verified, you can view and download your transcript immediately in PDF format.
This option is best for those who need the document quickly. If you cannot verify your identity online, you must use another method.
Phone
You can request a transcript by calling the IRS automated system at 800-908-9946. After entering your Social Security number and selecting the type of transcript, the IRS will mail the document to the address on file. This process typically takes five to ten calendar days, though delays can occur during peak tax season.
If your address has changed, update it with the IRS before making the request to avoid delivery issues.
To request a transcript by mail, use the “Get Transcript by Mail” option on the IRS website or submit IRS Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” The form requires your name, Social Security number, and the type of transcript needed. Once completed, mail or fax it to the IRS office listed in the instructions.
Mailed requests take longer. A return transcript usually arrives within 30 days, while a full tax account transcript can take up to 75 days. If requesting transcripts for multiple years, list each tax year separately, which may extend processing time. This method is best for those who cannot access their transcript electronically or need it sent to a third party.
Typical Turnaround Times
The availability of a tax transcript depends on how the original tax return was filed.
– Return transcripts, which show most line items from a filed tax return, are available within three weeks if e-filed and up to six weeks for paper filers.
– Tax account transcripts, which provide basic details like filing status, adjusted gross income, and tax payments, are typically available within 24 hours for e-filed returns and about four weeks for paper returns.
Online requests provide immediate access, while phone and mail requests take longer due to processing and postal delivery times. If mailed, transcripts usually arrive within five to ten calendar days after processing. Requests using Form 4506-T, especially for older tax years or detailed account records, can take over 30 days.
Factors That Extend Processing
Errors or discrepancies in tax filings can delay transcript availability. If reported income does not match IRS records—such as discrepancies with W-2 or 1099 forms—the IRS may require additional verification before issuing a transcript.
Identity theft concerns can also slow processing times. If the IRS detects suspicious activity, such as multiple returns filed under the same Social Security number, it may place a hold on the account for fraud investigation. In these cases, transcripts will not be issued until the taxpayer verifies their identity. Even if no fraud occurred, flagged accounts often require manual review, which can take weeks or months.
Certain tax situations, such as amended returns or audits, also affect transcript availability. Amended returns filed with Form 1040-X take an average of 20 weeks to process, meaning transcripts reflecting those changes will not be available until the IRS completes its review. If a return is under audit, the IRS may restrict access to tax records until the audit concludes.
Steps to Take If There’s a Delay
If your tax transcript is delayed, first check the status of your original tax return. If the IRS has not fully processed the return, transcripts for that year may not be available. The IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app can provide updates.
If your return has been processed but the transcript is still unavailable, contact the IRS. The IRS Transcript Order Line at 800-908-9946 provides basic information, but for detailed inquiries, call the general IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. Calling early in the morning or midweek can reduce wait times, as call volumes are highest on Mondays and around tax deadlines.
For urgent requests related to mortgage applications, financial aid, or legal matters, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help. TAS assists taxpayers facing financial hardship or significant delays. You may need to provide documentation, such as a lender’s request for tax verification, to justify an expedited request.