How to Get Your Tax Transcripts From the IRS

The IRS will send you a copy of your tax return or a summary of what you reported, but you have to request it

A tax transcript is an official IRS document that shows what you reported on your tax return or what the IRS has on file about your income and taxes. The IRS does not send these automatically — you request one, and they mail it or let you download it. Most people need a transcript to prove their income to a landlord, lender, or government program, or to resolve a discrepancy with the IRS.

You have four ways to get one: online through your IRS account, by phone, by mail, or through a tax professional. The fastest is online if you have an IRS account set up. By phone or mail takes one to two weeks. The method you choose depends on whether you need it urgently, whether you have an IRS account, and what year's return you need.

Key Takeaways

You can download a transcript immediately through your IRS online account if you have one set up; creating an account takes a few days but is free.
By phone, the IRS will mail a transcript to you in five to ten business days; call 1-800-908-9946 and have your Social Security number and tax return ready.
A transcript shows your reported income and tax details but is not the same as your actual tax return form — some programs accept transcripts, others require the full return.
The IRS charges nothing for transcripts, and you can request multiple years at once.

Getting a transcript through your IRS online account

If you have an IRS account, you can view and download a transcript in minutes. Go to irs.gov, click "Sign in" in the upper right, and select "Login to your online account." You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. If you do not have an account, you can create one at that same page — it takes a few minutes, and the IRS will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone or email.

Once you are logged in, look for "Transcripts" or "Tax Records" in the menu. Select the year you need and the type of transcript. Most people need a "Return Transcript," which shows the main numbers from your return. Download it as a PDF and print it or save it. You can also order transcripts to be mailed to you from this same account if you need an official IRS-stamped copy.

Requesting a transcript by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and tax return information ready. Tell the representative which year's transcript you need and what type — usually a Return Transcript. They will verify your identity by asking questions about your return or your personal history.

The IRS will mail the transcript to the address on file with your return. It arrives in five to ten business days. If you need it faster, ask if they can email it to you instead — some representatives can do this, though it is not may provide. If you are calling from outside the United States, use the international number listed on irs.gov.

Requesting a transcript by mail

Fill out Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) or Form 4506T-Z (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). Form 4506T-Z is free and faster; Form 4506-C costs $43 per transcript but is required if you need an exact copy of your original return. Most people use Form 4506T-Z.

Download the form from irs.gov, fill it out completely, sign and date it, and mail it to the address listed on the form — it varies by state. Include your Social Security number, the tax year you need, and the type of transcript. The IRS will mail the transcript to you in two to three weeks. Keep a copy for your records. If you need it sooner, phone or online is faster.

Types of transcripts and what they show

The IRS offers several transcript types. A Return Transcript shows the main information from your tax return — your income, filing status, deductions, and tax amount. This is what most landlords and programs ask for. An Account Transcript shows your payment history and any notices the IRS sent you. A Verification of Non-Filing proves you did not file a return in a particular year.

A transcript is not the same as your actual tax return form (Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR). Some programs accept a transcript; others require the full return. Before you request one, ask the landlord, lender, or program exactly what they need. If they say "tax return," ask whether a transcript will work — it often will, and it is faster to get.

What information you need before you request

Have the following ready: your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the tax year you need. If you are requesting a transcript for someone else (such as a spouse or dependent), you will need their Social Security number and written permission. If you are a tax professional requesting on behalf of a client, you will need a power of attorney form.

Know which year you need. If a program asks for "the last two years of tax returns," request transcripts for both years. If you are unsure which year, ask the program — they usually specify by calendar year (2023, 2024) or by tax year filed (the year you filed, not the year the income was earned).

How long it takes and what to do if there is a delay

Online download is immediate if you have an IRS account. By phone, expect five to ten business days. By mail, expect two to three weeks. During tax season (January through April), the IRS processes requests more slowly, so add one to two weeks to these timelines.

If you ordered a transcript and it does not arrive within the expected time, call 1-800-908-9946 and give the representative the date you requested it. They can check the status and resend it if needed. If the IRS cannot find a record of your request, you may need to request again. Keep the confirmation number or receipt from your original request if the IRS provided one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a transcript for a year I did not file a return?

Yes. You can request a "Verification of Non-Filing" for any year. This is a document stating that the IRS has no record of a return filed under your Social Security number for that year. Some programs need this to confirm you had no income or to verify your status.

Do I have to pay for a transcript?

No. The IRS charges nothing for transcripts ordered by phone, online, or by mail using Form 4506T-Z. Form 4506-C (which gets you an exact copy of your original return) costs $43 per transcript, but most people do not need it.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not remember my filing status?

Call 1-800-908-9946. The IRS representative can look up your filing status and confirm your Social Security number using other information from your return. You will still need to verify your identity through security questions.

Can someone else request my transcript?

Only if you give them written permission. A spouse can request their own transcript without permission. A tax professional or attorney can request one if you sign a power of attorney form (Form 2848). Otherwise, the IRS will not release your transcript to anyone but you.

What if the transcript shows information I think is wrong?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report an error. Have your transcript and return in front of you. The IRS will investigate and send you a notice if they find a mistake. Do not wait — errors can affect your taxes for years.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.