How to Get Your IRS Transcripts and What They Show

A transcript is a summary of your tax information from IRS records. It's not a copy of your return, but it's often more useful because it shows what the IRS actually has on file. Transcripts are free; a photocopy of an actual return costs a fee and takes much longer.

• Account transcript: assessments, payments, penalties, interest and notices for a single year. Use it to verify a balance or find assessment dates for the 10-year collection statute.
• Wage and income transcript: W-2, 1099, 1098 and other information returns. Use it to file unfiled returns.
• Return transcript: most line items from your original return.
• Record of account: account and return transcript combined.
• Verification of non-filing letter: proof the IRS has no return on file for a year.

1. Go to IRS.gov and sign in to (or create) your IRS Online Account. You'll need photo ID for identity verification.
2. Choose "Records and Status," then "Transcripts."
3. Select the transcript type and tax year.
4. View, print or download the PDF.

Online access is the fastest way to see your balance due, your payment history, and every notice issued.

If you can't verify your identity online, use Get Transcript by Mail on IRS.gov or call the automated line at 800-908-9946; return and account transcripts arrive at your address of record in 5 to 10 calendar days. Form 4506-T lets you request any transcript type, including wage and income, and lets you authorize a third party to receive it. A tax professional can also pull your transcripts directly using Form 8821 or a power of attorney (Form 2848).

Look for transaction codes: 150 (tax assessed — the date starts the collection clock), 166 and 276 (failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties), 196 (interest), 670 (payments), 971 (notice issued), 582 (lien filed) and 971 with "installment agreement" text. Comparing these with your notices tells you whether the balance is right and how much is penalties — which you may be able to remove through penalty abatement.

If your transcript shows income you didn't earn or a return you didn't file, you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft. File Form 14039, respond to any Letter 5071C or 4883C identity verification request, and consider requesting an Identity Protection PIN, which the IRS offers to any taxpayer who can verify their identity. Reviewing your wage and income transcript each year is a simple way to catch problems early.

Mortgage lenders typically request return transcripts through Form 4506-C via an IVES participant. Student aid offices may ask for a verification of non-filing letter. Courts and agencies sometimes request a record of account. In each case the request goes through the IRS; you don't need to pay a third-party service to get transcripts for you.

Transcripts give you the facts every resolution depends on: the total balance (to see if you're under the $50,000 online plan limit), penalty totals (for abatement), assessment dates (for the collection statute), and missing years (to file before applying for any program).

When you know where you stand, the next step is choosing a resolution. Our tax settlement calculator asks 8 questions about your balance, income and situation and shows which IRS programs — payment plan, Offer in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible or penalty abatement — your answers point toward. It's free and doesn't affect your credit.