An IRS tax return transcript shows most line items including your adjusted gross income from an original tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) as filed, along with any forms and schedules. Your tax transcript is only available for the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three years.

Here are the steps you need to take to retrieve a copy of your tax transcript from the IRS.

Order your tax transcript online

1. Before you start, make sure you have all of the information that you need.
    - Social Security numbers, birth dates, and mailing address for those who were on the return you are inquiring about.
    - A photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport), and
    - a mobile phone or computer with a camera so ID.me can verify your identity.
2. Visit the “Get Transcript” page of the IRS website and choose “Get Transcript Online” to sign in to your IRS Individual Online Account. Do not pay for your tax transcript, you can access full copies of your previously three completed tax returns (including the current filing tax year) at any time for free.
3. Once you’ve clicked on “Get Transcript” you will be sent to a new portal where you will need to sign in with your existing ID.me account or create a new one.
4. If it’s your first time signing in, ID.me will walk you through a one-time identity verification using your photo ID and a selfie. Once your account is set up, you can skip this step and access your transcripts on demand.
5. Once your identity verification is complete you will be able to access your transcripts. Select the transcript year that you would like to retrieve and a pdf will be generated which you can save to your computer.

Order your tax transcript via phone

To order by phone, call 1-800-908-9946 and follow the prompts. If you are having issues with the prompts, I recommend following my instructions on how to reach a live human at the IRS.

Order your tax transcript by mail

1. Visit the “Get Transcript” page of the IRS website and select the option for “Get Transcript by Mail”.
2. Once you’ve clicked on “Get Transcript” you will be sent to a new page where you will need to provide your SSN, Date of Birth, Street Address, and Zip Code.
3. Click continue to select your transcript type and the tax year you would like to receive.
4. Finally you will receive a prompt saying that your request has been received. You will receive a copy of the transcript via mail in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address the IRS has on file.

Please Note: An IRS tax transcript isn’t a photocopy of the return that you filed. If you need a copy of your original return, complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and send it in with a check for the $30 fee for each return requested. Copies are available for the current year and up to seven prior years, and processing can take up to 75 days.