How to Request a Tax Return Transcript
Learn how to easily access your official tax records from the IRS, understanding the different types available and the simple steps to request them.
A tax transcript is an IRS summary of your tax return information, serving as an official record of income, tax payments, and other relevant data. Lenders, government programs, and others often require these transcripts to verify income and filing status. They offer a convenient way to access tax details, especially if original documents are unavailable.
Understanding Different Types of Tax Transcripts
The IRS offers several types of tax transcripts, each providing specific details from your tax records. Understanding these distinctions helps you request the precise information needed for your situation. The availability of these transcripts can vary by tax year and the method of request.
The Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your originally filed Form 1040-series tax return, including any associated forms and schedules. This transcript is useful for verifying income for loans or financial aid, but it will not show any changes made after the initial filing.
The Tax Account Transcript provides basic data such as your filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), and payment types. It also includes any changes made by either the taxpayer or the IRS after the original return was processed. This transcript is helpful for confirming estimated tax payments or understanding adjustments to your tax account.
A Record of Account Transcript combines the information found in both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, offering a comprehensive view of your tax records. This transcript is the most detailed option available, providing both the original return data and subsequent account adjustments.
The Wage and Income Transcript presents data from various information returns submitted to the IRS, such as Forms W-2 (wages), 1099 (miscellaneous income, interest, dividends), 1098 (mortgage interest), and 5498 (IRA contributions). This transcript is particularly useful for reconstructing past income or verifying reported earnings.
A Verification of Non-filing Letter confirms that the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040-series tax return for the year requested. This letter is often required for certain financial aid applications or other programs to prove that you were not required to file a tax return.
Gathering Necessary Information for Your Request
Before requesting a tax transcript, gather specific personal and financial information. Having these details ready streamlines the process and ensures successful identity verification for accessing your tax records.
You will need your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the current mailing address from your most recently filed tax return. The IRS uses this for verification and mailing.
For online or phone requests, the IRS requires additional financial information for identity verification. This can include an account number from a major credit card, mortgage, student, or auto loan. Alternatively, you might use a mobile phone associated with an account in your name, or your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior year’s tax return.
Know the exact tax year(s) for which you need the transcript. Transcripts are specific to tax periods, and providing the correct year ensures you receive the relevant document. Preparing this information in advance prevents delays.
How to Request Your Transcript Online
The IRS offers an online “Get Transcript” service, which is often the quickest method to obtain your tax records. This service allows you to view, print, or download your transcript immediately upon successful identity verification.
To begin, navigate to the IRS’s official “Get Transcript Online” page. You will then be prompted to create an IRS account or log in if you already have one. This process involves multi-factor authentication to secure your access.
During login or account creation, the system requires identity verification. This step uses the personal and financial information gathered previously, such as a financial account number or a mobile phone number linked to your name. Once verified, you can proceed.
You will then select the specific transcript type, such as a Tax Return Transcript or a Wage and Income Transcript, and the relevant tax year. After making your selections, the transcript will be displayed, allowing you to view, print, or download it.
Requesting Your Transcript by Mail or Phone
If online access is not feasible, you can request your tax transcript through mail or by phone. These alternative methods require the same preparatory information as the online process for identity verification and accuracy.
To request by mail, complete Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ, available on the IRS website. Fill in your personal details, specific transcript type, and tax year, then mail it to the appropriate IRS address. Mail requests take about 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery to your address on file.
For phone requests, call the IRS toll-free number at 1-800-908-9946. An automated process will guide you to enter your Social Security Number and the street address from your latest tax return for identity verification. Once verified, select the desired transcript type and tax year. Phone requests are mailed to your address on file within 5 to 10 calendar days.