What is an IRS tax transcript, and how do you request one?

Where do you turn when you need your past tax data, and your own records aren’t available? The IRS may have just what you need in the form of a tax transcript from recent years. Tax transcripts can be helpful for various purposes, such as applying for loans, verifying income for government programs, or resolving tax-related issues.  With a tax transcript, you can access accurate and official records from the IRS to help meet your financial needs.

What is a tax transcript?

A tax transcript is like a summary of your tax return. It contains essential information about your income, deductions, and credits. Additionally, an IRS tax return transcript offers a convenient way to access your tax information without needing a full copy of your tax return.

What do you need an IRS tax transcript for?

An IRS tax transcript is helpful for various purposes, whether verifying income when applying for a loan or financial aid, resolving tax-related issues, or even preparing past tax returns.

What does a tax transcript show?

When you request a tax transcript, IRS provides a document showing most line items from your tax return. A tax transcript includes information such as your filing status, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), any tax credits or deductions you claimed, and other line items from your original tax return. You can get a transcript for the previous three years.

Note: A tax transcript may include any supporting documents you might have attached to your actual tax return.

How much is a tax return transcript?

Obtaining a tax transcript is free. Note: getting a copy of a filed and processed tax return is $30. For this reason, keeping copies of your past tax returns is essential. Here’s more guidance on which records to keep for how long and how IRS transcripts can help you. 

Types of tax transcripts

The IRS provides several types of tax transcripts that are useful for taxpayers. Here are the descriptions of each:

• Tax return transcripts show most items from your tax return as your Form 1040 was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. This transcript doesn’t reflect any changes you, your tax professional, or the IRS made after you filed your return. You may use this transcript if you need essential information from your tax return. Most lenders and creditors accept a tax return transcript. You can request it for up to three tax years.

• Tax account transcripts provide primary data like filing status, type of return filed, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or taxable income, and any adjustments you or the IRS made after you filed your return. Additionally, if there have been any IRS actions on your account, they will appear on a tax account transcript. You may also see transaction codes on these transcripts. We’ll cover those below.

• Record of account transcripts combines the information from the tax account and tax return transcript. The IRS makes this transcript available because it shows the big picture, from your original return filed to any changes made to the return after processing.

• IRS wage and income transcripts show data from information returns, such as W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s, reported to the IRS. You can use this transcript to help file an extended tax return, verify employment, or keep a personal record of income. Most recent-year IRS wage and income transcripts take until July to become available.

• Verification of Non-filing Letter proves that you didn’t file a tax return for the year. This letter doesn’t address whether or not you should have filed a tax return. Some taxpayers fail to file a tax return even if they have a filing requirement – and this transcript would prove this. Current year transcript requests are only available after June 15.

What do the transaction codes mean on account transcripts?

Transcript transaction codes represent actions on your IRS account. The codes listed below provide a shorthand way for the IRS to track and document various transactions. Here are the standard transaction codes and their meanings:

• Transaction Code 150: Tax return filed by the taxpayer and tax liability assessed
• Transaction Code 290: This is a multiple-use code and can mean:
  • Additional tax assessed if there is a tax amount reflected to the right of the transaction code, or
  • The tax return had been frozen and has now been released
• Transaction Code 420: Examination Indicator. Indicates that the return has been referred to the Examination or Appeals Division
• Transaction Code 570: Additional Liability Pending and/or Credit Hold
• Transaction Code 766: Generated Refundable Credit Allowance. Indicates that a tax credit has been applied to you return.
• Transaction Code 846: Refund of Overpayment. You will be refunded the amount of overpaid tax.
• Transaction Code 971: Miscellaneous Transaction. Based on the Action Code, which is listed separately, different actions are performed.

How to get tax transcript information

How can you request a tax transcript? Luckily, you can ask for it in several ways, and each method is pretty straightforward. Follow along as we guide you through the different processes.

Online request

The fastest and most convenient way to get a tax transcript is online. Simply visit or create your online IRS account, navigate to the ‘Tax Records’ tab, and you can view and download the transcript at your own pace. Already have an online IRS account? You can simply log in to your account and click on the “Tax Records” tab. Then, select, view, or download your desired tax transcript.

Phone request

For those who prefer to speak with someone at the IRS, you can call the IRS at 800-908-9946. They will mail the transcript within five to ten days of the request.

Related: View IRS phone number and contact information.

Mail request (online and print forms)

First, start by navigating to the IRS Get Transcript page.

Then, navigate to the Get Transcript webpage. Then, select the “Get Transcript by Mail” button to begin your request. Follow the prompts and offer your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. Orders will be mailed within five to 10 business days.

You can also print and fill out Form 4506-T. Then, mail it to the IRS using the addresses listed on this chart. Mail orders will be processed within 10 business days.

What if you need your actual return?

If you want an actual copy of an old tax return, you must complete IRS Form 4506  and mail it to the IRS. Unlike transcripts, there’s a $30 fee for each return request and can take up to 75 days to process (Take note: This is longer than the time to get the just a transcript).

Does my transcript contain information about when I’ll get my refund?

According to the IRS, “no.” The codes listed on a transcript have no connection with when you receive your refund.

Get help filing your taxes

Whether you choose to file with a tax pro or file with H&R Block Online, you can rest assured that we’ll get you the biggest refund possible.