IRS Tax Transcript

IRS has stopped processing transcript requests by mail until further notice. If you only need to find out how much you owe or verify payments you made within the last 18 months, you can view your tax account.

Why do I need a tax transcript?

Due to the increasing concern about fraudulent applications for mortgage, car loan, financial aid or some other form of funding, Financial institutions prefer to see copies of your tax transcript.

To better protect your information from identity theft the IRS has a new transcript format that partially masks the personally identifiable information of everyone listed on the tax return. All financial entries will remain fully visible to assist with tax representation and income verification.

Taxpayers may request an unmasked Wage & Income transcript for tax preparation. The unmasked transcript will be mailed to the taxpayer’s address of record.

What is IRS tax transcript?

An IRS tax transcript is a quick summary of your important tax information from your federal tax return. The method you used to file your tax return, e-file or paper, and whether you had a balance due, affects your current year transcript availability. Note: If you need a photocopy of your return, you must use Form 4506.

How to get a tax transcript?

There are 3 ways to make a tax transcript request:

The fastest way is to use Get Transcript Online. Taxpayers must pass the Secure Access identity verification process. Select the “Tax Return Transcript” and use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.

In the event taxpayers fail Secure Access, the request can be made using the mail option. Allow five to 10 days for delivery. Use only the “Adjusted Gross Income” line entry.

1 - Order Online

Use the ‘Get Transcript ’ tool available on IRS.gov. Those who use it must authenticate their identity using the Secure Access process.

To register an account and request an IRS tax transcript online you need the following information:

Full Name
Email address
Birth date
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
Tax filing status
Current mailing address
U.S. mobile phone number associated with your name (so the IRS can send you a text message about your IRS account and protect your information)

2 - Order by phone

The IRS also allows you to use an automated phone line to request a tax transcript. Simply call the agency automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946 and follow the prompts to order a tax return or tax account transcript be sent by mail.

3 - Order by mail

If you need to apply for your transcript by mail, you can fill out Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. You can also use the online Get Transcript by Mail tool to submit your request for a mailed transcript.

How long to receive a tax transcript?

Getting your federal tax information to prove your income is a straightforward process. Generally, you can quickly and easily get a copy for free with your online request. You will generally receive your tax transcript(s) in the mail within 5-10 days after the IRS receives your request.