Before requesting a transcript
The information you’ll need depends on the request method.
For online access, be prepared with:
- A Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A personal email address
- A method for multifactor authentication, such as a phone or authentication app
For mail or phone requests, use the mailing address from your latest tax return. If your address has changed, submit Form 8822, Change of Address, before requesting a mailed transcript.
Ways to request an IRS tax transcript
The method you use determines which transcripts you can request and how quickly you’ll receive them.
| Method | What you can request | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Individual Online Account | All five transcript types | Immediate access after signing in |
| Get Transcript by Mail | Tax return or tax account transcript | Five to 10 calendar days |
| Automated phone service | Tax return or tax account transcript | Five to 10 calendar days |
| Form 4506-T | Any transcript type | Most requests are processed within 10 business days |
Source: Internal Revenue Service (1, 2)
Getting a transcript online
Sign in to or create an IRS Individual Online Account. New users must verify their identity through ID.me. This is typically the easiest and quickest method. Once signed in:
- Open the “Tax Records” section.
- Select the link for transcripts.
- Choose the transcript type and tax year.
- View, download, or print the document.
If you can’t complete online verification, use one of the mail, phone, or form-based options instead.
Requesting a transcript by mail or phone
Use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 to request a tax return or tax account transcript. The IRS sends it to the address on file and won’t forward it to another address.
To request another type, such as a wage and income transcript or verification of non-filing letter, mail or fax Form 4506-T. Form 4506-T-EZ is a shorter option when you only need an individual tax return transcript.
