How Can I Get My Tax Transcript Online Immediately?
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
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Tax preparation can be daunting, but getting your tax transcript from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t have to be. Whether you need it for a loan application or simply to keep your records straight when filing taxes, getting your tax account transcript online can be quick and easy.
Tax Transcripts: At a Glance
- What it is: A tax transcript is a summary of what you’ve filed.
- Why you may need it: You may need it for a loan or mortgage application, income verification for housing resolving IRS issues or recreating a lost tax return.
- Cost: A tax transcript is free.
- Fastest way to get it: You can get it online immediately using the IRS online account feature. If you choose to receive it by mail, it will take five to 10 calendar days from the time the IRS receives the request.
- How far back can you receive your IRS transcript? You can receive the current year plus three or four of the previous years.
How To Get Your Tax Transcript Online: Step by Step
Here are the steps you can take to get your tax transcript online:
1. Visit the IRS Website
Use the IRS online account feature. This tool allows you to view and download your tax transcripts online.
2. Choose an Option To Receive Your Transcript
- Online: This is the fastest way to get your transcript. You’ll need to create an account if you haven’t already. The IRS will ask you some identity verification questions to ensure it’s you accessing the information.
- By mail: If you’re not in a hurry, you can request a transcript be mailed to you. It usually takes about five to 10 days to arrive.
- By phone: You can also call the IRS to request your transcript. However, this option may take longer compared to the online method.
3. Verify Your Identity
You will need to provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, date of birth and other identifying details.
4. View Your Transcript
You can view your transcript, but make sure you download it or print it for your records.
5. Check for Accuracy
Carefully look over your tax summary to make sure it’s accurate. If there are any discrepancies, let the IRS know.
Other Ways To Get an IRS Tax Transcript
If you don’t want to use the online tool, you can also opt to receive your transcript in the following ways:
- Request by mail: Fill out the online IRS form to get your transcript through the mail. You will receive it in five to 10 calendar days after the request reaches the IRS.
- Request by phone: Call the IRS automated transcript line at 1-800-908-9946 and follow the prompts.
- Use Form 4506-T: You can submit this form to the IRS to receive your tax transcript.
How Long It Takes to Receive Your Transcript
When will you receive your transcript? It depends on the method you choose.
| Method | Typical Wait Time | When It’s Available |
|---|---|---|
| Online transcript | Immediate | After ID verification, you can download and print it |
| Sent by mail | 5 to 10 calendar days | IRS will mail to the address on file |
| Request by phone number | 5 to 10 calendar days | Delivery via mail only |
| Requested with Form 4506-T | 10 to 30 days | Depends on IRS workload |
| Via a tax professional | Same day to a few days | Depends on IRS access and authorization |
IRS Tax Transcript Types: Which One To Use
An IRS tax transcript is a summary of your filed tax return and related information. Each transcript type includes different details and is used for specific situations.
| Transcript Type | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Tax return transcript | Used for verifying income for mortgages, student loans, FAFSA, rental applications or general proof of filing |
| Tax account transcript | Used to confirm tax balances owed, IRS adjustments and any payments made |
| Record of account transcript | Overview of what you filed and what has occurred since the filing, can help with dispute resolution |
| Wage and income transcript | Helps to recreate a lost tax return, verify income when you don’t have original forms and prepare back taxes |
| Verification of non-filing letter | This is a requirement for FAFSA or any time you don’t file a return |
Common Tax Transcript Problems — and How To Fix Them
- Problem: You can’t verify your identity
- Fix: Double-check all the information you’re providing. If that doesn’t work, request your transcript by phone or mail.
- Problem: Your transcript isn’t ready
- Fix: Wait two to three weeks after filing before requesting your transcript.
- Problem: You requested the wrong tax year.
- Fix: Submit a new request with the correct tax year.
- Problem: You need recent changes reflected in your transcript.
- Fix: Wait to request a transcript until the IRS has finished processing your amended return.
Tax Transcript vs. Tax Return Copy: Key Differences
Here’s a side-by-side look at the differences between tax transcripts and tax return copies:
| Feature | Transcript | Copy of Return |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Summary of your filed return | Actual return you filed with documents and attachments |
| Cost | Free | Usually a fee, expect to pay at least $40 |
| IRS adjustments shown | Sometimes | No |
| Delivery time | Instant or five to 10 days in the mail | Up to 75 days |
When You Might Need Professional Help
There are circumstances when you may need professional help with your tax return. Those situations include:
- Your tax transcript doesn’t match your records.
- You need transcripts for several years and don’t know how to access them.
- You receive correspondence from the IRS that you don’t understand.
- You’re dealing with an audit or filing back taxes.
- You’ve been assessed with a penalty for a late filing.
- You’re locked out of online access and need your returns.
Key Takeaways
- A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return.
- The quickest way to get your tax transcript is to request it online.
- If you can’t get your tax transcript online, you can request it via mail or phone.
- Contact a tax professional if there are discrepancies between what you filed and what’s on your tax transcript.
Tax Transcript FAQ
Still have questions? These answers cover the most common tax transcript concerns.- Is a tax transcript the same as a tax return?
- A tax transcript is a summary of what you filed, while the tax return is what you originally filed with the IRS. Transcripts generally show all the key points, but don't include other documents or attachments.
- How long does it take to get a tax transcript by mail?
- Usually, it takes five to 10 days from the date the IRS gets the request.
- How far back can I access transcripts?
- You can access the current year plus the previous three to four years.
- Are IRS transcripts free?
- All IRS tax transcripts are free.
- What is the fastest way to get a copy?
- The fastest way to get a copy is online. You can use the IRS Get a Transcript Tool and download what you need immediately.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
