The Three Ways to Request a Tax Transcript
You can get a tax transcript from the IRS through three main routes: online at IRS.gov, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can download a transcript the same day if you have a Social Security number and filing status on record. The phone and mail routes take longer but work if you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone.
A tax transcript is an official IRS document showing your reported income, filing status, and tax details for a specific year. You need one when you are applying for a mortgage, student loan, rental housing, or certain government benefits. The IRS keeps transcripts for the current year and the past three years readily available; older transcripts require a written request.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to get a transcript is through IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status — you can download it immediately.
- You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and request a transcript by phone, which takes about 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- If you file taxes jointly with a spouse, both of you must request your own transcript; the IRS will not release one spouse's transcript to the other without written authorization.
- The IRS charges no fee for transcripts, but some third-party websites charge money to retrieve them for you — go directly to IRS.gov to avoid unnecessary costs.
- You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you want, plus proof of identity if you request by mail.
Requesting a Transcript Online at IRS.gov
Go to IRS.gov and select "Get Your Tax Record" under the Tools section. You will be taken to the transcript ordering page. Click "Order a Transcript Online" and you will be asked to verify your identity using one of two methods: IRS online account login or third-party authentication through Equifax.
If you use the IRS online account method, you need to have already created an account at IRS.gov with your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and filing status. If you do not have an account, you can create one during the ordering process. The Equifax method asks you security questions based on your credit history — you do not need a credit card or account with Equifax to use this.
Once you verify your identity, select the tax year you need and choose whether you want a "Return Transcript" (shows income and filing status), "Account Transcript" (shows payments and adjustments), or "Verification of Non-Filing" (confirms you did not file that year). The transcript downloads as a PDF immediately. You can print it or save it to your computer.
Requesting a Transcript by Phone
Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you need ready before you call. The IRS representative will verify your identity by asking you questions about your tax return or personal information.
Tell the representative which type of transcript you need: Return Transcript, Account Transcript, or Verification of Non-Filing. The IRS will mail the transcript to the address on file with your return. Delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask the representative if rush delivery is available in your area — some locations offer it, but it is not may provide.
Requesting a Transcript by Mail
Download Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Record) from IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-3676 to request the form by mail. Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, address, and the tax year you need. Sign and date the form — unsigned forms will be rejected.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. Include a copy of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The IRS will mail your transcript to the address you provide on the form. Processing takes 30 days or longer, depending on volume.
If you need a transcript for a year older than three years ago, you must use Form 4506-C and mail it in. The online and phone methods only cover the current year and the prior three years.
What Happens if You File Taxes Jointly
If you filed a joint return with a spouse, each of you must request your own transcript separately. The IRS will not release one spouse's transcript to the other without written authorization from both of you. If you need your spouse's transcript, they must request it themselves or provide you with a signed, notarized power of attorney.
If you are divorced or separated and need a transcript from a joint return you filed in a prior year, you can still request it using your Social Security number. The transcript will show only your portion of the income and tax information, not your ex-spouse's details.
Transcript Types and What Each One Shows
The Return Transcript shows your adjusted gross income, filing status, number of dependents, and tax liability for the year. Most lenders and landlords ask for this one. It does not include line-by-line details from your return.
The Account Transcript shows all transactions posted to your account, including payments you made, refunds issued, and any adjustments the IRS made. Use this if you need to verify that a payment was received or to track the status of a refund.
The Verification of Non-Filing confirms that you did not file a tax return for a specific year. Some government programs and lenders ask for this to confirm you had no income or did not file.
Common Reasons Transcript Requests Are Delayed or Denied
The IRS may delay your transcript if your Social Security number does not match the name on file, if you have an identity theft flag on your account, or if your return is still being processed. If your return was filed recently, wait at least two weeks before requesting a transcript — the IRS needs time to enter the data into their system.
If you changed your name since filing (due to marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring documentation of the name change when you request by mail, or call 1-800-908-9946 to update your information before requesting online. If the online verification fails, use the phone method instead — a representative can manually verify your identity.
If you are requesting a transcript for a business or rental property, you may need Form 4506-C instead of the standard request, because business income appears differently on your return. Call the IRS to confirm which form you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tax transcript cost?
The IRS charges no fee for transcripts. Some third-party websites advertise transcript retrieval services and charge $15 to $50 to get one for you. You can always get your transcript free by going directly to IRS.gov, calling 1-800-908-9946, or mailing Form 4506-C.
Can I get a transcript if I did not file taxes that year?
You can request a Verification of Non-Filing, which confirms to lenders or agencies that you did not file. You cannot get a Return Transcript or Account Transcript if no return was filed. If you think you should have filed, contact the IRS to discuss your situation.
How long does it take to get a transcript by mail?
Standard mail delivery takes 30 days or longer. Some IRS locations offer rush delivery, which takes 5 to 10 business days, but it is not available everywhere. Call 1-800-908-9946 to ask if rush delivery is available for your state.
What if my transcript shows incorrect information?
If your transcript contains errors, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the mistake. You may need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X if the error is in your reported income or deductions. The IRS will issue a corrected transcript once the amendment is processed.
Can I request a transcript for someone else?
No, unless you have a signed power of attorney from that person. If you are a tax professional, you can register for an IRS e-Services account that allows you to request transcripts on behalf of clients who have authorized you. Otherwise, each person must request their own transcript.