The fastest way to get an IRS transcript

You can order an IRS transcript online through the IRS website without calling or visiting an office. Go to IRS.gov/transcripts, select "Get Transcript Online," and sign in with your IRS online account credentials or create one. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can view or print your transcript immediately for most transcript types.

If you do not have an online IRS account, you can create one during the ordering process using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and street address. The IRS will verify your identity using information from your tax return and credit file. Once verified, you can download your transcript right away or have it mailed to you.

For transcripts needed urgently, the online method is your best option because you get the document the same day. Mailed transcripts take 5 to 10 business days to arrive, even when ordered online.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website at IRS.gov/transcripts lets you order and download transcripts the same day without creating an account if you have a Social Security number and recent tax return information.
  • You can order by phone at 1-800-908-9946 if you prefer not to use the website, but phone orders take longer and mailed transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
  • A transcript record of account shows your filing status, income, and tax paid for a specific year and is the most common type homeowners and lenders request.
  • You will need to know your filing status, address, and either your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to order.
  • The IRS charges no fee for transcripts ordered online or by phone, though some third-party services charge a markup for ordering on your behalf.

What type of transcript you need

The IRS offers four main transcript types, and the one you need depends on who is asking for it. A transcript record of account is the most common — it shows your filing status, adjusted gross income, taxable income, tax paid, and refund amount for the year you request. Lenders and employers usually ask for this one when they need proof of income or tax filing history.

A tax return transcript includes the same information as a record of account but also shows line-by-line details from your actual tax return, such as deductions and credits. This is useful if you need to show the full picture of your return to a lender or government program.

An account transcript shows all transactions on your IRS account for a specific period, including payments, refunds, and notices. A verification of non-filing is a letter stating that you did not file a tax return for a specific year — some programs or employers ask for this to confirm you had no filing requirement.

Ask whoever requested the transcript which type they need. If they do not specify, a record of account covers most situations.

Ordering by phone or mail

If you cannot or do not want to order online, call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and street address ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and take your order over the phone. Mailed transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 business days.

You can also order by mail by completing Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) or Form 4506-C-Z (for verification of non-filing). Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed on the form for your state. This method is slowest — expect 30 days or more for delivery.

Do not use mail or phone if you need the transcript within a week. The online method is always faster.

What information you need to order

Before you start, gather your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your date of birth, your filing status from the year you are requesting, and your current street address. If you are ordering for a business, you will need the Employer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number.

You will also need to know which tax year you want the transcript for — for example, 2023 or 2024. If you are not sure which year, think about when you filed the return or when the income was earned. The IRS can provide transcripts for the current year and the past three years without special request.

If you are ordering through the IRS website, the system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your tax return or credit file. This usually takes a few minutes and happens automatically.

Using a third-party service to order

Some companies offer to order IRS transcripts on your behalf. These services are legal but charge a fee — usually $15 to $50 — on top of the free IRS transcript. You do not need to use them unless you have a specific reason, such as difficulty accessing the IRS website or needing the transcript in a format the IRS does not provide.

If you do use a third-party service, be cautious about sharing your Social Security number and tax information. Use only established services with clear privacy policies. Never pay upfront for a transcript through an unknown website.

For most homeowners and borrowers, ordering directly through IRS.gov costs nothing and takes the same amount of time as a third-party service.

Transcript delivery and what to do with it

When you order online, you can view your transcript on the screen immediately and print or save it as a PDF. This digital copy is usually acceptable for lenders, employers, and government programs. Some organizations ask for an "official" transcript, which means a copy directly from the IRS — in that case, request mailed delivery when you order, and the IRS will send it in a sealed envelope.

Keep your transcript in a safe place if you think you will need it again. The IRS does not charge to order the same transcript multiple times, so you can always request a new copy if you lose it. However, if your tax situation changes or the IRS makes corrections to your return, your transcript will reflect those changes.

If a lender or program says they received your transcript but it shows different information than you expected, contact the IRS to discuss possible errors or amendments to your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a transcript?

Online transcripts are available to view and print immediately. If you request mailed delivery, the transcript arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Phone orders also take 5 to 10 business days for mailed delivery. Mail-in orders using Form 4506-C take 30 days or longer.

Can I order a transcript for someone else?

No, you can only order your own transcript using your Social Security number and identity verification. If you are a tax professional, business representative, or power of attorney, you may be able to order on behalf of someone else, but you will need proper authorization documents and the IRS may require additional verification.

What if the IRS says my identity cannot be verified online?

If the online system cannot verify you, call 1-800-908-9946 to order by phone or mail Form 4506-C. The IRS may ask for additional documents to confirm your identity. This sometimes happens if you have recently moved, changed your name, or had identity theft issues.

Do I need an IRS account to order a transcript?

No. You can order without an account by using the "Get Transcript Online" option and verifying your identity through the IRS's automated system. Creating an account is optional but makes future orders faster because you will not have to verify your identity each time.

Can I get a transcript if I have not filed taxes?

You can order a verification of non-filing letter, which states that you did not file a return for a specific year. This is useful if a lender or program needs proof that you had no filing requirement. Order this through IRS.gov/transcripts or by calling 1-800-908-9946.