The three ways to request your IRS transcripts

You can get your IRS transcripts through the IRS website, by mail, or by phone. The fastest route is the IRS online tool at irs.gov/transcripts, which gives you a copy immediately after you verify your identity. By mail takes 5 to 10 business days. By phone takes about the same time, though you speak to someone directly.

Each method requires you to prove who you are. Online uses your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and either your prior-year adjusted gross income or tax return information. By mail and phone use similar verification but take longer because the IRS processes the request manually.

You do not need to know your IRS account number or PIN to request transcripts through any of these channels. The IRS identifies you through the information you provide.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS online tool at irs.gov/transcripts is the fastest method and gives you a copy the same day after identity verification.
  • By mail, you fill out Form 4506-C or 4506T-Z and mail it to the address listed on the form; expect 5 to 10 business days.
  • By phone, you call 1-800-908-9946 during business hours and a representative mails the transcript to you.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and either your prior-year adjusted gross income or tax return information to verify your identity.
  • There is no cost to request a transcript, though some third-party services charge a fee to retrieve it for you.

Requesting transcripts online through irs.gov

Go to irs.gov/transcripts and select "Get Transcript Online." You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and either your prior-year adjusted gross income or the tax return information from your most recent return. The IRS verifies this information against its records.

After verification, you choose which transcript you need: Account Transcript, Record of Account, Verification of Non-Filing, or Tax Return Transcript. Most people need the Account Transcript or Tax Return Transcript. You can view the transcript on screen immediately and print or download it as a PDF. No email is sent — you retrieve it yourself from the website.

This method works only if you have filed a tax return with the IRS in the past. If you have never filed, you cannot use the online tool and must request by mail or phone instead.

Requesting transcripts by mail

Download Form 4506-C (for a complete copy of your tax return) or Form 4506T-Z (for a transcript without your full return). Both forms are on irs.gov. Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, tax year, and the type of transcript you need. Sign and date the form.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself — the address changes based on your state. Include a copy of your ID if you are requesting someone else's transcript or if you are a business representative. The IRS will mail the transcript to the address you provide, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days from the date they receive it.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you need the transcript urgently, mail is not the fastest option; use the online tool or phone instead.

Requesting transcripts 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). A representative will ask you to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and prior-year adjusted gross income or tax return information.

Tell the representative which transcript you need and the tax year. They will mail it to the address on file with the IRS, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You can request that it be mailed to a different address if needed — provide that address during the call.

The phone line can be busy, especially during tax season. If you cannot reach someone, try calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Which transcript type you need

Account Transcript shows your filing status, income, deductions, and credits for the past three years. Most employers, lenders, and government programs ask for this one. Tax Return Transcript shows the information you reported on your actual tax return and is similar to Account Transcript but formatted differently. Record of Account combines your Account Transcript with any IRS notices or changes made to your return. Verification of Non-Filing confirms that you did not file a return for a specific year.

If you are not sure which one you need, ask the person or organization requesting it. They will usually tell you the specific name. If they just say "tax transcript" without specifying, Account Transcript is the safest choice.

What information you need before you request

Gather your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status before you start. You will also need either your prior-year adjusted gross income (the "AGI" from your last tax return) or specific information from your most recent return, such as the total tax you paid or the amount of a refund you received.

If you do not remember your AGI, you can look it up on a prior return if you have a copy, or you can use the IRS online tool to retrieve your Account Transcript first — it shows your AGI for past years. If you are requesting someone else's transcript, you will need their Social Security number and permission to do so.

Transcripts for prior years and amended returns

You can request transcripts for any tax year going back several years. The IRS keeps transcripts on file for at least seven years. If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), the transcript will show the amended information, not the original return you filed.

If you need a copy of your actual tax return form (not just a transcript), use Form 4506-C instead of Form 4506T-Z. Form 4506-C takes longer to process — usually 15 to 30 days — because the IRS must retrieve and copy your original return from storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a transcript?

There is no cost from the IRS. The online tool, mail, and phone requests are all free. Some third-party websites charge a fee to retrieve the transcript for you, but you do not need to use them — you can always request directly from the IRS at no charge.

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

You can request a Verification of Non-Filing, which confirms you did not file for a specific year. You cannot use the online tool; you must request by mail or phone. Bring your Social Security number and date of birth.

What if the IRS says my identity does not match?

If verification fails online, try again with your exact information — dates and numbers must match IRS records exactly. If it fails again, call 1-800-908-9946 or request by mail instead. The phone representative can sometimes resolve identity issues on the spot.

Can someone else request my transcript?

Yes, if you give them permission. They will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. They can request online using your information, or by mail or phone if they have a power of attorney or written authorization from you.

How long does the IRS keep transcripts on file?

The IRS keeps transcripts for at least seven years. If you need a transcript for a year older than seven years, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-908-9946 to ask whether it is still available.