How to Get Tax Transcripts From Previous Years From the IRS
Navigate the process of obtaining your historical tax documentation from the IRS with confidence. Get the official records you need, explained clearly.
Tax transcripts are official records from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that summarize key information from a tax return or account. These documents provide a snapshot of your tax history, often used for verifying income, tax filing status, and other financial details. Individuals frequently request transcripts for purposes such as applying for mortgages, student financial aid, or small business loans. They offer a reliable way to confirm tax data without needing a copy of the original tax return.
Understanding Tax Transcripts
The IRS offers several types of tax transcripts, each serving a distinct purpose by providing different levels of detail. A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your original tax return, as it was filed, including adjusted gross income. It does not reflect any changes or amendments made after the initial filing, making it suitable for verifying original submission details.
A Tax Account Transcript provides basic return information, such as filing status, adjusted gross income, taxable income, and account changes made by you or the IRS. It also includes payment details, balances due, or refunds.
The Wage and Income Transcript compiles information reported to the IRS by third parties, such as employers, banks, and other payers. This includes details from Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098, summarizing wages, interest, dividends, and other income.
A Record of Account Transcript combines the information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, providing a complete record of your tax return data, including any subsequent adjustments. The IRS also provides a Verification of Non-filing Letter, which indicates that the IRS has no record of a filed tax return for the specific year requested.
Gathering Required Information
Before requesting your tax transcripts, gather specific personal and tax-related information to ensure successful identity verification. This includes your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and current mailing address.
You must also provide the mailing address from the tax year for which you are requesting the transcript. Your filing status for the requested tax year is also important for verification. A phone number is typically required to complete the request. For online requests, additional identity verification details, such as a loan account number (mortgage, home equity, auto), a credit card number, or a student loan account number, are generally required.
Requesting Your Transcripts
You can request tax transcripts through several methods. The Get Transcript Online tool on the IRS website is often the quickest way. After successfully completing the identity verification process, you can select the desired transcript type and tax year. The transcript is typically available immediately for viewing, printing, or downloading.
You can also request transcripts by mail, either through the Get Transcript by Mail online tool or by submitting a paper form. Using the online mail option, you input the required information, and the transcript is mailed to your address on file. Alternatively, complete and submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, or Form 4506T-EZ. These forms must be mailed to the appropriate IRS address, with delivery usually taking 5 to 10 calendar days.
A third method is requesting transcripts by phone by calling the IRS automated transcript service at 800-908-9946. This automated system mails transcripts to your address of record based on the information you provide verbally. If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can navigate the phone tree to do so, providing your details directly.