This page provides general educational information only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. For official transcript information and access, go to IRS Get Transcript.
What is an IRS tax transcript?
An IRS tax transcript is an official record of information from your federal tax return or tax account. The IRS provides several types, each containing different information. Transcripts are commonly requested by taxpayers, lenders, mortgage companies, and tax professionals who need to verify what was reported to or processed by the IRS.
Official source: IRS — Get Transcript
Types of IRS transcripts
The IRS offers five main transcript types. Understanding which one you need prevents wasted requests.
Tax Return Transcript
Shows most line items from an originally filed Form 1040 and any attachments. It does not show changes made after the original return was filed. A tax return transcript usually meets the needs of lending institutions offering mortgages. Available for the current year and the three prior tax years.
Tax Account Transcript
Shows basic data from an original return plus any adjustments made after filing — including IRS-initiated changes such as audit results, amended return processing, and payment credits. Shows return type, filing status, taxable income, and payment data.
Record of Account Transcript
Combines the Tax Return Transcript and Tax Account Transcript into one document. Available for the current year and three prior years.
Wage and Income Transcript
Shows data from information returns the IRS received about you — W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and similar forms. Available up to 10 years. Note: information for the current processing year will generally be available in the first week in February.
Verification of Non-filing Letter
Confirms that the IRS has no record of a processed return for the requested tax year as of the date of the request.
Source: IRS — Transcript Types for Individuals and Ways to Order Them
How to get your transcript
Online (fastest)
The IRS’s online tool at IRS Get Transcript Online allows you to view and download transcripts immediately after identity verification. You must have a Social Security number, a filing status and address matching IRS records, access to your email, a mobile phone number registered in your name, and in some cases financial account or credit card information for identity verification.
By mail
If you cannot complete online verification, you can use IRS Get Transcript by Mail or submit Form 4506-T. For Get Transcript by Mail, the IRS states that tax return and tax account transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address it has on file for you. Form 4506-T is available at IRS.gov — About Form 4506-T. Timing source: IRS — Get Transcript.
By phone
Call the IRS automated transcript line or speak with an IRS representative. The IRS automated line is 1-800-908-9946. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status from the tax year you are requesting.
What transcripts are and are not
A transcript is not a copy of your filed return. If you need a copy of the actual return as you submitted it (with all schedules and attachments), you must request that separately using Form 4506. Form 4506 has a $30 fee for each return requested. Transcripts are offered at no charge.
Source: IRS — About Form 4506; IRS — Form 4506 (PDF) (fee); IRS — Transcript Types for Individuals and Ways to Order Them (no charge)
Authorizing a tax professional: Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) authorizes any individual, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership you designate to inspect and/or receive your confidential information for the type of tax and the years or periods you list on Form 8821. Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) authorizes an individual to represent you before the IRS. The individual you authorize must be a person eligible to practice before the IRS, and that individual can also receive and inspect your confidential tax information. Sources: IRS — About Form 8821; IRS — Instructions for Form 8821; IRS — About Form 2848; IRS — Instructions for Form 2848.
Frequently asked questions
How many years back can I get a transcript?
Tax return transcripts are available for the current year plus the three prior years. Tax account transcripts are generally available for the current year plus nine prior years through Individual Online Account, and for the current year plus three prior years by mail or by phone. Availability may be limited when certain conditions apply. Wage and Income transcripts are available up to 10 years. Older records may not be available. Source: IRS — Transcript Types for Individuals and Ways to Order Them.
Can I use a transcript instead of my W-2?
A Wage and Income Transcript shows the W-2 data the IRS received and can substitute for a missing W-2 in many situations. However, the transcript reflects what your employer reported to the IRS, which may differ from what was on your actual W-2 if there were corrections.
Why does the online tool show “No Record” for this year?
If you filed recently, the return may not have been processed yet. For a current-year Form 1040 return filed on or before the April due date, transcripts typically become available 2–3 weeks after you e-file a return that shows a refund amount or no balance due, and 6–8 weeks after you mail a paper return that shows a refund amount or no balance due. If you paid a balance due in full after submitting the return, allow 3–4 weeks after full payment. Source: IRS — Transcript Availability.
Does requesting a transcript trigger an audit?
No. Requesting a transcript is a routine action and does not affect your likelihood of being audited.
Is there a fee?
Transcripts (Tax Return Transcript, Tax Account Transcript, Wage and Income Transcript, and Verification of Non-filing) are provided free of charge. Requesting an actual copy of a filed return on Form 4506 has a fee of $30 for each return requested. Sources: IRS — Transcript Types for Individuals and Ways to Order Them (no charge); IRS — Form 4506 (PDF) (fee).
Not reviewed by a credentialed tax professional. Official source: IRS.gov — Get Transcript.