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How to Request an IRS Tax Transcript or Tax Return

An IRS tax transcript is a summary of your tax return info. Here are the different types, and how to get one online, over the phone or by mail.

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Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.

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Tax transcripts can be used to show proof of income to lenders, such as when you apply for a mortgage or an auto loan. You can also use one to see detailed information about your previous tax returns. If you file estimated taxes, transcripts can help you figure out how much you’ll need to pay in the future.

You can easily get a free copy of your tax transcript by creating or logging into your online IRS account. You can also get tax transcripts from the IRS by making a request via phone or mail, but the agency's online portal is the quickest way for most people to retrieve certain tax records.

on Priority Tax Relief's website

on Alleviate Tax's website

How to get a tax transcript

1. Requesting a tax transcript online

If you have an online IRS account, you can simply log in to your account and navigate to the "Tax Records" tab. There, you'll be able to select, view or download the tax transcript you need.

If you don't have an existing IRS account, you can still request a transcript online by navigating to the IRS' Get Transcript web page to create an account. It's helpful to have a few things handy, such as your Social Security number, access to your preferred email address and a photo ID, before you begin

2. Requesting a tax transcript by phone

Call the IRS at 800-908-9946.

The transcript will be sent to you in the mail.

Orders typically take five to 10 days to process.

3. Requesting a tax transcript by mail

Navigate to the Get Transcript page and click on the "Get Transcript by Mail" button to begin your request. You'll need to supply your Social Security number, date of birth and address.

Per the IRS, orders will be mailed within five to 10 business days.

You can also print a copy of Form 4506-T, fill it out and mail it. Orders will be processed within 10 business days.

» MORE: See a list of other IRS phone numbers you can call for help

Types of tax transcripts

However you decide to make your request, it's a good idea to make sure you know exactly what you need. There are five different kinds of tax transcripts you can get from the IRS.

1. Tax return transcript

A tax return transcript shows most line items, including adjusted gross income (AGI), from your tax return. It usually works for mortgages, financial aid and student loan lenders, but it doesn’t show changes made after you filed your original return. You can request one for the current tax year as well as the prior three years.

2. Tax account transcript

A tax account transcript shows basic data such as return type, marital status, AGI, taxable income and payment type. It's helpful in confirming that estimated tax payments were applied, and it also shows changes made after you filed your original return. You can request it for the current tax year and up to 9 prior years (if requesting online or with Form 4506-T) or up to three years (if requesting by mail or phone).

3. Record of account transcript

A record of account transcript contains both the tax return transcript and the tax account transcript. You can request it for the current tax year and up to three prior years.

4. Wage and income transcript

A wage and income transcript shows data from up to 85 income documents, including your W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and IRA contribution information. You can request it for the current tax year and up to 9 prior years (if requesting online or with Form 4506-T). The current tax year information may not be available until May

5. Verification of non-filing letter

A verification of non-filing letter shows proof that the IRS has no record of a 1040 for a particular year. Note that it does not indicate whether you were required to file a return for that given year. You can request it for the current tax year and up to three prior years online. However, if letters for older years are needed, you must submit Form 4506-T.

on Priority Tax Relief's website

on Alleviate Tax's website

How do I get a copy of my actual tax return?

IRS tax transcripts are not photocopies of your actual tax return with all the forms and attachments. If you want an actual copy of an old tax return, you’ll need to complete IRS Form 4506 and mail it to the IRS.

There’s a $30 fee for each copy of the tax return you request, and requests can take up to 75 days to process

Are there other ways to get tax records?

If you’re looking for your tax records and you used tax software, your tax software provider may have them on file depending on which provider you used and what program you purchased. If you used a tax preparer, they may still have your tax returns on file as well.

Helpful resources

on Anthem Tax Services's website

Minimum Tax Amount: $10,000;

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on Anthem Tax Services's website