What a tax transcript is and why you need one
A tax transcript is an official IRS document that shows your tax filing history — what you reported to the government, what you owed, and what you paid. It is not the same as your tax return itself. The transcript is a summary pulled from IRS records after you have filed.
You need a transcript when you are applying for a mortgage, a student loan, rental housing, or certain government benefits. Lenders and landlords use it to verify your income without asking you to hand over your actual return. Some programs also request it to confirm you filed taxes in a given year or to check your reported income against what you told them on an application.
The IRS keeps transcripts on file for the current year and the past six years. If you need one from earlier than that, you will have to contact the IRS directly and request it by mail — a slower process.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a transcript online through IRS.gov using your Social Security number and filing status, or by phone at 1-800-908-9946.
- The IRS offers four types of transcripts — Account, Record of Account, Verification of Non-Filing, and Wage and Income — and you should confirm which one the person requesting it actually needs.
- Online orders arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days; phone orders take 7 to 10 business days.
- You can also visit an IRS office in person with a photo ID and get a transcript the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Ordering online through IRS.gov
The fastest way to order a transcript is through the IRS website. Go to irs.gov/transcripts and select "Get Transcript Online." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a street address used on a recent tax return.
The IRS will ask you to verify your identity using one of two methods: logging into an IRS online account (if you have one) or answering security questions based on your credit history and tax records. Once you pass verification, you can select which years you need and which type of transcript. The transcript will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in 5 to 10 business days.
This method works only if you filed a tax return in the year you are requesting. If you did not file, you will need to order a Verification of Non-Filing instead, which you can also request through the same website.
Ordering 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 filing status ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax history or credit file.
Once verified, tell the representative which years you need and which type of transcript. They will mail it to the address on your tax return. Phone orders take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. This method is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, but expect a wait during tax season (January through April).
The four types of transcripts and which one to request
The IRS produces four different transcripts, and ordering the wrong one wastes time. Before you request one, ask the person or organization requesting it which type they need — most will tell you if you ask directly.
| Transcript Type | What It Shows | Who Usually Requests It |
|---|---|---|
| Account Transcript | Your filing status, income, deductions, and credits for the year you filed | Mortgage lenders, student loan servicers, rental landlords |
| Record of Account Transcript | Same as Account Transcript, plus any payments you made and any balance owed | Lenders who want to see payment history; some government benefit programs |
| Verification of Non-Filing | Confirms you did not file a return in a given year | Government benefit programs, some lenders |
| Wage and Income Transcript | Shows only the income reported to the IRS by your employers and financial institutions (W-2s, 1099s, interest, dividends) | Mortgage lenders, some benefit programs |
If you are unsure, the Account Transcript or Record of Account Transcript covers most situations. If the organization rejects it and asks for a different type, you can order again.
Getting a transcript in person at an IRS office
If you need a transcript immediately, you can visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person with a photo ID. Bring your Social Security number and the tax year you need. The staff will print a transcript on the spot, usually within an hour, though wait times depend on how busy the office is.
Find your nearest office at irs.gov/localoffices. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times, as these vary by location and season. During tax season (January through April), expect longer waits. This option is most useful if you need the transcript the same day or within a few days and cannot wait for mail delivery.
What to do if you did not file a tax return
If you did not file in the year someone is asking about, you cannot order an Account Transcript because there is nothing on file. Instead, order a Verification of Non-Filing through the same IRS.gov/transcripts page or by phone. This document confirms to the requesting party that you did not file a return that year.
Some organizations will accept a Verification of Non-Filing in place of a transcript. Others will not, and may ask you to file a return retroactively or provide other proof of income. If you are unsure whether you need to file, contact the organization requesting the transcript and ask what they will accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tax transcript cost?
Tax transcripts are free from the IRS. You do not pay to order them online, by phone, or in person. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge a fee to order transcripts — they are not official IRS services and you do not need them.
Can someone else order my transcript for me?
No. Only you can order your own transcript, or someone with a power of attorney on file with the IRS. If you authorize a representative (such as a tax preparer or attorney), they must file Form 2848 with the IRS first. You cannot simply give someone your Social Security number and have them order it.
What if I filed jointly with a spouse — whose name is on the transcript?
The transcript shows both names and both Social Security numbers if you filed jointly. Either spouse can order the transcript using their own Social Security number and the filing status "Married Filing Jointly." The document will reflect the joint return.
How long does the IRS keep transcripts on file?
The IRS maintains transcripts for the current year and the past six years. If you need a transcript from more than six years ago, contact the IRS by mail at the address listed on irs.gov/transcripts, or call 1-800-908-9946 and ask about older records. Processing time for very old transcripts is longer.
Can I get a transcript if I owe back taxes?
Yes. Owing taxes does not prevent you from ordering a transcript. The transcript will show any balance owed if you order a Record of Account Transcript. The organization requesting it will see that information, but you can still obtain and share the document.