How to request a tax transcript

The IRS offers four ways to get a tax transcript: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or through a tax professional. The online method is fastest — you can download a transcript the same day if you have a Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you need. Phone requests take about two weeks. Mail requests take four to eight weeks. Each method produces the same document, so choose based on how quickly you need it.

A tax transcript is an official IRS record of your tax return information for a specific year. It shows your filing status, income, deductions, and tax paid. Lenders, landlords, and government agencies often ask for transcripts to verify your income or tax history. The IRS does not charge for transcripts.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a transcript online at IRS.gov/transcripts the same day, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, by mail using Form 4506-C, or through a tax professional with power of attorney.
  • Online ordering requires a Social Security number, filing status, and the ability to verify your identity through a third-party service like ID.me or Equifax.
  • The IRS offers four types of transcripts — Account Transcript, Record of Account, Verification of Non-Filing, and Tax Return Transcript — and you should order only the type the requesting agency specifies.
  • Mail requests using Form 4506-C take four to eight weeks, so plan ahead if you need a transcript for a mortgage, rental application, or loan.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can call 1-800-908-9946 to request a transcript by phone, which takes about two weeks.

Ordering online at IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov/transcripts and select "Get Transcript Online." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and street address from the tax return you are requesting. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity using ID.me, Equifax, or Experian — third-party services that check your personal information against existing records. This verification takes a few minutes.

Once verified, you can view and download transcripts for the past seven years immediately. You can save them as a PDF or print them. This is the fastest option if you need a transcript within hours. The IRS does not email transcripts, so you must download or print them yourself during your session.

Requesting by phone

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, and the tax year ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your return, then mail the transcript to the address on file. This process takes about two weeks.

Phone requests are useful if you cannot verify your identity online or prefer to speak with someone. You can also request that the IRS mail the transcript to a third party — for example, your lender or landlord — by providing their name and address during the call.

Requesting by mail using Form 4506-C

Download Form 4506-C from IRS.gov or request it by calling 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your name, Social Security number, address, and the tax year you need. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — the address varies by state. The IRS will mail your transcript to you in four to eight weeks.

Form 4506-C is the official request form. You can also use it to authorize the IRS to send a transcript directly to a third party by filling in their name and address. This is common for mortgage applications or rental verifications. Keep a copy for your records.

Understanding the four types of transcripts

The IRS produces four different transcripts, and the one you need depends on who is asking for it. An Account Transcript shows your filing status, income, deductions, and tax paid — this is the most common type requested by lenders and landlords. A Record of Account includes the same information plus any IRS actions or notices related to that year. A Verification of Non-Filing confirms you did not file a return for a specific year. A Tax Return Transcript is a simplified version showing only the main line items from your return.

Ask the person or agency requesting the transcript which type they need. If they do not specify, an Account Transcript is usually correct. When you order online or by phone, the IRS will ask which type you want. When you use Form 4506-C, check the box for the type you need.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity online

If the online verification service rejects you, call 1-800-908-9946 to request by phone instead. The IRS representative will ask security questions about your return to verify your identity. This takes longer than online ordering but does not require a third-party verification service.

If you have had your identity stolen or believe your Social Security number is compromised, tell the IRS representative. They may place a fraud alert on your account and mail the transcript to you instead of allowing download. This protects you but adds time to the process.

Transcripts for business returns and prior representatives

If you need a transcript for a business return (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065, or 1040-C), you must request it by mail using Form 4506-C or through a tax professional. The online ordering system and phone line handle only personal income tax returns. Business transcripts take the same four to eight weeks by mail.

If someone else prepared your return and you want them to request the transcript on your behalf, they can do so using Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative). They file this form with the IRS, then request the transcript in your name. This is common when a CPA or tax attorney handles your affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tax transcript cost?

Tax transcripts are free from the IRS. You do not pay for ordering online, by phone, or by mail. Some third-party websites charge a fee to order on your behalf, but you can always order directly from the IRS at no cost.

Can I get a transcript for someone else?

No, unless you have power of attorney or are a tax professional with authorization. The IRS will only release transcripts to the person who filed the return or to someone with a signed Form 2848 on file. If you are a spouse, parent, or executor, you may need to provide legal documentation.

What if I filed jointly with a spouse?

Either spouse can order the transcript online or by phone using their own Social Security number. The transcript will show both names and the joint filing status. If you are divorced or separated, contact the IRS to discuss your options — they may require additional documentation.

How long does the IRS keep transcripts?

The IRS maintains transcripts for at least seven years after filing. If you need a transcript older than seven years, call 1-800-908-9946 to ask whether it is available. The IRS may be able to retrieve older records, but availability varies.

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

Yes. You can order a Verification of Non-Filing, which confirms you did not file for a specific year. This document is useful if a lender or agency needs proof that you had no tax filing requirement. Order it the same way you would order any other transcript.