There are various times throughout the year that you may need to refer to your prior year’s tax information. Whether you’re applying for a student loan, refinancing a mortgage, or other financial reasons, you’ll need a copy of your tax return. Don’t have it? Don’t panic. The IRS has many options to help you get a free transcript of your tax information.
- Tax Return Transcript: A return transcript can be the perfect document to retrieve your tax information. It includes all the Forms and Schedules that you filed along with your federal return, although it only depicts the first filing and won’t contain any amended information.
- Tax Account Transcript: Any adjustments made by either you or the IRS after you first filed your return can be documented on a tax account transcript, which also contains your marital status, AGI, taxable income, and type of return filed.
Need a Transcript?
If you need a transcript, you can order one by phone, mail, or through the IRS website once your return has been processed.
To order by phone: Call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts.
To order by mail: Complete Form 4506T-EZ for a return transcript, or Form 4506-T for a tax account transcript. You can also log on to the website and fill out the form for “Get Transcripts by Mail”.
To order online: The IRS website (irs.gov) has a convenient tool which allows you to confirm your identity safely and securely and access your transcripts. You can then print copies of any of the following records: tax account transcript, tax return transcript, record of account, wage and income and verification of non-filing.
Need An Actual Copy?
Actual copies of your tax returns are typically available for up to six years, however the fee is $50. You’ll need to snail mail a request to the IRS office listed on Form 4506, which will need to be completed.
You can expect to receive your transcript in five to ten days if you requested by phone or online. Otherwise expect a 30 day wait period for mail ordered transcripts and up to 75 days for actual copies.
