Tax transcripts are used for a variety of reasons, such as applying for a mortgage or a student loan. Also, to e-file taxes, you may need to get a transcript to see your previous year’s AGI.
How to Order Your Tax Transcript
You can request your transcript either online or by mail at the Get Transcript page on the IRS website.
There is a new transcript format that better protects your data by partially masking your personally identifiable information. Financial data will remain fully visible to allow for tax preparation, tax representation or income verification.
You must register online to request your tax transcript.
To request your tax transcript online, you will need all of the following:
SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from your 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 in your name (for faster registration), or else the ability to receive an activation code by mail.
You can get any type of transcript online here.
To request your transcript by mail, you will need:
SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN),
Date of birth, and
mailing address from your latest tax return
Only 2 of the 5 types of transcripts are available by mail. You can order a tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript here.
It will be mailed to the last address on file with the IRS and arrive within 5-10 calendar days. If you have moved, don’t use your old address. The transcript won’t get forwarded to you. You will need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, before you submit Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ. It typically takes four to six weeks to process a change of address.
Another option to request any transcript type is to fax or mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Form 4506-T is used to request tax return information.
Form 4506-T-EZ (short form) can be used to request:
Tax return transcripts, tax account information, W-2 information, 1099 information, verification of non-filing, and record of account.
A tax return transcript for the current and the prior three years that includes most lines of the original tax return.
Types of Transcripts
The reason why you need a transcript will determine which type to order.
The following transcript types are available at no charge:
Tax Return Transcript - This 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. A tax return transcript usually meets the needs of lending institutions offering mortgages and student loans. 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 - This 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 - This transcript combines the tax return transcript and tax account transcripts listed above into one complete transcript. It 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 - This transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, 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 - This 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.
Remember, a transcript isn't a photocopy of your return. If you need an entire copy of your original return, you'll complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, along with the the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can refer to the IRS FAQ page for answers to specific questions about the Get Transcript service, including how to get a transcript online or by mail.
Use the table on the IRS Current Year Transcript Availability page to determine the general timeframe when you can request a transcript for a current year Form 1040 return filed on or before the due date. Availability varies based on the method you used to file your return and whether you have a refund or balance due.
You may not need a full transcript. If you only need to find out how much you owe or verify payments that you made within the last 18 months, you can use the View Your Tax Account page.
Resources:
About the New Tax Transcript and the Customer File Number
Document 11734 - Transaction Code Pocket Guide