Transcript services for individuals - FAQs

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) address specific questions about our transcript services for individual taxpayers.

On this page, you’ll find information on how to access transcripts through:

• Individual Online Account
• Get Transcript by Mail or our automated phone service
• Transcript services in general

Transcripts through Individual Online Account

Q1. How do I get a transcript online? (updated 08/16/2024)

Upon successful registration through ID.me, you can sign in to your Individual Online Account. From there, click on the “Tax Records” page, and then the link for “transcripts.” If you don’t have an individual online account, you can easily create an account.

Q2. What if I can't verify my identity or use Individual Online Account? (updated 08/16/2024)

Refer to transcript types and ways to order them for alternatives.

Q3. Why can’t I get my current tax year verification of non-filing letter?

The current tax year verification of non-filing letter is not available until June 15.

Q4. What do I do if I'm unable to view my verification of non-filing letter when I click on an available tax year? (added 08/16/2024)

If you are unable to view your verification of non-filing letter, you’ll need to request it by submitting Form 4506-T.

Q5. Why does my wage and income transcript state “No record of return filed” for the current tax year?

If you see a message of “No record of return filed” for the current tax year, it means information has not populated to the transcript yet. Check back in late May.

Q6. Why do I get a message saying my request for a wage and income transcript cannot be processed online? (updated 08/16/2024)

The transcript is limited to approximately 85 income documents. If you have more documents, the transcript will not generate. You’ll receive a notification online stating that your transcript request could not be processed and to complete and submit Form 4506-T.

Q7. Can I get a transcript for my business?

Yes. Find out how to get a business tax transcript.

Ordering through Get Transcript by Mail or our automated phone service

Q1. What if I'm unable to use Get Transcript by Mail? (updated 08/16/2024)

Refer to transcript types and ways to order them for alternatives.

Q2. What if my address changed since I filed my last tax return and it doesn't match IRS records when I use Get Transcript by Mail or the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946?

Don't use your old address as the transcript won't get forwarded to you. You need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, before you submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Generally, it takes four to six weeks to process a change of address.

Q3. I got a message when I use Get Transcript by Mail that says the information I provided does not match what's in the IRS systems. What should I do now?

Verify all the information you entered is correct. It must match what's in our systems. Be sure to use the exact address from your latest tax return. If you’re still receiving the message, you'll need to submit Form 4506-T.

Transcript services in general

The following FAQs generally apply to all transcript service types (i.e., Individual Online Account, Get Transcript by Mail and our automated phone transcript service) unless otherwise specified.

Q1. What hours are your transcript services available?

All transcript service types are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q2. Can I give my information to a company or a practitioner with a Power of Attorney to request a transcript on my behalf? 

The transcript services are for individual taxpayers to retrieve their own transcripts for their own purposes. Use by any other entities is prohibited.

Q3. Can I request a transcript if I filed jointly with my spouse and my name and SSN was listed second on our tax return? (updated 08/16/2024)

Yes, a secondary taxpayer may request any transcript type that is available.

Q4. How long must I wait before a transcript is available for my current year tax return?

When a tax return transcript is available depends on several factors, such as how you filed your tax return (electronically or by mail). Refer to transcript availability for more information.

Q5. Can I use transcript services if I'm a victim of identity theft? (updated 08/16/2024)

Yes, you can still access all transcript service types. If we're unable to process your request  because of identity theft, you'll receive an online message, or a letter if using  Get Transcript by Mail or the automated phone service, that provides instructions to request a transcript. Visit our Identity Protection page for more information.

Q6. How do I request a transcript for an older tax year when it's not available online? (updated 08/16/2024)

Tax return and record of account transcripts are only available for the current tax year and three prior tax years when using Individual Online Account. Note: There is a "show all +" expand button below the online tax account transcript type that may provide additional tax years.
Tax return and tax account transcripts are also limited to the current and prior three tax years when using Get Transcript by Mail or the automated phone transcript service.

You must submit Form 4506-T to request a transcript for a tax year not available.

Q7. My transcript information doesn't appear to be correct. What should I do?

In some cases, we may have changed the reported figures on the original return you filed because of input errors or incomplete or missing information. If we changed the figures on your return during processing, a tax return transcript will show your original figures, labeled "per return," and the corrected figures labeled "per computer." It won't show amendments or adjustments made to the account after the original return has posted.

If you filed an amended return or we adjusted your account after it was processed, request a record of account transcript. If the transcript obtained doesn't appear to be correct or contains unfamiliar information due to possible identity theft, call us at 800-829-1040.

Q8. Will ordering a transcript help me determine when I'll get my refund?

IRS transcripts are best and most often used to validate past income and tax filing status for mortgage and other loan applications, and to help with tax preparation.

The best way to check on your refund is by visiting Where's My Refund? 

Q9. Are there foreign language versions of transcripts? (updated 08/16/2024)

Individual Online Account, Get Transcript by Mail, and the automated phone transcript service are available in Spanish. However, the transcripts themselves are only available in English.

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