Ways to Get Transcripts
Option 1: Request Online
You may register to use Get Transcript Online to view, print, or download all transcript types listed below.
What You Need
To register and use this service, you need:
- your SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,
- access to your email account,
- your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and
- a mobile phone linked to your name (for faster registration) or ability to receive an activation code by mail.
What You Get
- All transcript types are available online
- View, print or download your transcript
- Username and password to return later
Option 2: Request by Mail
If you’re unable to register or you prefer not to use Get Transcript Online, you may order a tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript using Get Transcript by Mail or by calling the automated transcript service line at 800-908-9946. Please allow 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.
You may also request any transcript type listed below by faxing/mailing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return as instructed on the form.
What You Need
To use this service, you need your:
- SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN),
- date of birth, and
- mailing address from your latest tax return
What You Get
- Return or Account transcript types delivered by mail
- Transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address the IRS has on file for you*
* NOTE: If your address has changed since you filed your last tax return and it doesn’t match IRS records when you use Get Transcript by Mail or the automated phone transcript service, don’t use your old address. The transcript won’t get forwarded to you. If the IRS also is not able to successfully verify your identity for the “Get Transcript Online” option, you need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, before you submit Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ. Generally, it takes four to six weeks to process a change of address.
Transcript Types
The IRS offers the following transcript types at no charge to you:
- Tax Return Transcript – shows most line items including your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, along with any forms and schedules. It doesn’t show changes made after you filed your original return. This transcript is only available for the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three years. Note: the secondary spouse on a joint return must use Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T to request this transcript type. When using Get Transcript by Mail or phone, the primary taxpayer on the return must make the request.
- Tax Account Transcript – shows basic data such as return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, taxable income and all payment types. It also shows changes made after you filed your original return. This transcript is available for the current tax year and up to 10 prior years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T. When using Get Transcript by Mail or phone, you’re limited to the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three years. Note: If you made estimated tax payments and/or applied an overpayment from a prior year return, you can request this transcript type a few weeks after the beginning of the calendar year to confirm your payments prior to filing your tax return.
- Record of Account Transcript – combines the tax return and tax account transcripts above into one complete transcript. This transcript is available for the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T.
- Wage and Income Transcript – shows data from information returns the IRS receives such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098 and Form 5498, IRA Contribution Information. Current tax year information may not be complete until July. This transcript is available for up to 10 prior years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T.
- Verification of Non-filing Letter – provides proof that the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040-series tax return for the year you requested. It doesn’t indicate whether you were required to file a return for that year. This letter is available after June 15 for the current tax year or anytime for the prior three tax years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T. You must use Form 4506-T if you need a letter for tax years older than the prior three years.
Transcript availability for current year tax return:
If you filed your tax return electronically, IRS’s return processing takes from 2 to 4 weeks before a transcript becomes available. If you mailed your tax return, it takes about 6 weeks. If you didn’t pay all the tax you owe, your transcript may not be available until mid-May or a week after you pay the full amount owed. Refer to transcript availability for more information.
Refer to Get Transcript frequently asked questions for more information.