An IRS transcript is a free printout of the information the IRS has on file for you for a given tax year. You might need one to apply for a mortgage or student aid, to catch up on unfiled returns, to answer a notice, or simply to see what the IRS thinks you owe. Your IRS Online Account is the quickest way to get transcripts, and it does much more. Once you know which transcript to ask for, getting it is simple.
Transcript vs. copy of your return
A transcript is not a photocopy of your return. It lists the key lines and data in a standard format. Lenders usually accept a tax return transcript; the IRS says it "usually meets the needs of lending institutions offering mortgages." If you truly need an exact copy of a past return, you request it on Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. That form carries a fee and longer processing time, as stated on the form.
The five types of transcripts
All of these transcripts are free.
| Transcript | What it shows | Years available | How to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax return transcript | Most lines from your original return, plus forms and schedules; does not show later changes | Current year and 3 prior years | Online, mail, phone, Form 4506-T |
| Tax account transcript | Filing status, taxable income, payments, penalties, interest, and changes made after filing | Online: current and 9 prior years. By mail or phone: current and 3 prior years. Older years: Form 4506-T | Online, mail, phone, Form 4506-T |
| Record of account | The return transcript and account transcript combined | Current year and 3 prior years | Online, Form 4506-T |
| Wage and income transcript | Data from W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, 5498s and other information returns | Current year and 9 prior years | Online, Form 4506-T |
| Verification of non-filing letter | States the IRS has no record of a processed return for that year as of the request date | Current year after June 15; prior 3 years anytime; older years by Form 4506-T | Online, Form 4506-T |
Which one do you need?
- Applying for a loan or aid: usually the tax return transcript.
- Checking what you owe, payments made, or what the IRS changed: the tax account transcript.
- Rebuilding missing W-2s and 1099s: the wage and income transcript. The IRS notes it is limited to about 85 income documents; online requests fail above that.
- Proving you didn't file: the verification of non-filing letter. It doesn't say whether you were required to file.
Option 1: Your IRS Online Account (fastest)
The IRS recommends getting transcripts online because it's the fastest method. You can view, print or download them right away.
Setting up your account
The IRS uses ID.me to verify your identity. According to the IRS, you need:
- To be 18 or older
- A personal email address
- A Social Security number or ITIN
- A valid government photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport
- A way to receive a second sign-in factor, such as an authenticator app or a phone that can get texts
You verify your identity once with ID.me and then use the same sign-in for other IRS tools. The IRS says the ID.me error code EC 6001 means the name on your account doesn't match Social Security Administration records, so check that your name matches your Social Security card. If you can't verify online, the IRS sign-in page offers a way to get some information without signing in.
Watch for "account help" scams. The IRS lists someone offering to "help" you set up or use your Online Account as a sign of possible identity theft. Set up your account yourself, directly from IRS.gov, and never share your login. See IRS scams.
What else your Online Account shows
According to the IRS, your Online Account lets you:
- See your balance by tax year and your payment history (up to 5 years)
- Make or schedule payments from your bank account, up to 365 days ahead
- Apply for or change a payment plan. See IRS payment plans.
- View digital copies of certain notices and go paperless for some
- Check refund and amended return status
- See audit status for certain mail audits
- Get your IP PIN. See tax identity theft.
- Approve a tax professional's power of attorney or tax information authorization electronically. See Form 2848 and 8821.
- See your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI), which you may need to e-file
That makes it a good place to verify any letter. If a notice is real, the balance and often the notice itself should show up in your account.
Option 2: By mail or phone
If you can't use the online account, you can get a tax return transcript or tax account transcript mailed to you:
- Online request for mail delivery: use "Get Transcript by Mail" on IRS.gov. You'll need the address from your latest return.
- By phone: call the automated line at 800-908-9946.
The IRS says to allow 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery. Transcripts go only to the address the IRS has on file. If you moved, update your address with the IRS (Form 8822) first, or the transcript will go to your old address.
Option 3: Form 4506-T
Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, can be used to request any transcript type, including older years not available online. For wage and income information, the IRS says to check the box on line 8. Form 4506-T-EZ covers only the tax return transcript.
How to read an account transcript
Account transcripts use transaction codes and dates. A few tips:
- Each line has a code, a description, a date and an amount. The description is usually plain enough to follow, such as "tax return filed," "penalty for late payment" or "payment."
- The balance is figured as of a certain date. Interest and some penalties keep adding up after that date, so a payoff amount may be higher.
- Look for notices and assessments that match letters you got. If a notice isn't on your transcript, call the IRS at the number on IRS.gov to check.
- Ask for help. A tax professional, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic or the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help you read a confusing transcript.
Current-year transcript timing
The IRS says current-year availability depends on how you filed (e-file or paper) and whether you owed a balance. If you just filed, your transcript may not be ready yet. Check refund delays and offsets if you are waiting on money.
Frequently asked questions
Do IRS transcripts cost anything?
No. The IRS says transcripts are free. Only an exact copy of a past return, requested on Form 4506, has a fee.
Which transcript does my mortgage lender want?
Usually the tax return transcript. The IRS says it usually meets mortgage lenders' needs. Some lenders ask you to sign an authorization so they can request it from the IRS directly. Your Online Account lets you view authorization requests from lenders.
I can't verify my identity with ID.me. What now?
Request a tax return or account transcript by mail through IRS.gov or by calling 800-908-9946. You can also use Form 4506-T. If you need other help, a Taxpayer Assistance Center can assist by appointment. See how to contact the IRS.
Can I get my W-2 from the IRS?
You can get the W-2 data, but not a copy of the form itself, from a wage and income transcript. It covers the current year and nine prior years.
How far back can I get transcripts?
Online, account and wage and income transcripts go back nine prior years. Tax return transcripts and records of account cover the current and three prior years. For older years, use Form 4506-T.
Why doesn't my transcript show my recent return?
It may not have posted yet. The IRS says current-year availability depends on whether you e-filed or mailed your return and whether you owed money. Paper returns take longer.
Sources
IRSV.com is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the IRS. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm details on IRS.gov or with a tax professional. Found an error? Tell us.
