There are three ways to request a tax transcript: through the IRS' online portal, mail, and through the phone. All of them are simple and free of charge process. In the IRS portal, you can request a PDF copy on your computer. You can also request a paper copy to be sent via mail. The last option is to call them personally to get your transcript mailed to you. But, if your purpose is for your business, you will need to mail the form instead. If you need a copy of your transcript, file Form 4506. Always remember that a tax transcript is not the same as the copy of your tax return.
As mentioned above, the first option to request a transcript is through the online portal. You should follow some steps so that you will save some time.
Go to their website: IRS.gov. If you already have an existing account, then go log in. If you don't have an account yet, then you should create an account first. In their website, you can see the "Get my Tax Record" button, click that. Then click "Get Transcript Online". There will be some personal information that you need to provide in creating an account. Of course, you need to provide your complete name, your e-mail address, date of your birth, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), Tax filing status (single, married, etc.), mailing address used on the last tax return, and lastly your mobile number that can accept texts.
Once you create your account, you need to verify it. A page will appear asking you for a verification code. You will receive a text that has the code on your phone immediately. Upon receiving the code, type it inside the box. Having a mobile phone that accepts text is really important because without it, then you cannot request an online transcript.
Provide a number from one financial account to prove your identity. You can provide in the form your account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan or even car loan. You only need to provide one account number from these.
There are a lot of different types of transcripts. The online portal will ask you what is the purpose of your request to help you get the correct transcript based on the purpose. You can choose whether for "Student Aid", "Mortgage Application", or "Income Verification" from a drop-down box.
Choose the specific year you want the transcript for. The portal will show the years that are available. Upon seeing the year that you want, click on it. Transcripts that will be shown mostly are from three years ago and the recent one. But there are some cases wherein you may be able to get the transcripts for up to 10 years before the current tax year.
Once you complete filling out all the needed information, you will receive your PDF copy. Download it and save it to your computer. You should print it out so that you will have a physical copy aside from your soft copy.
By Mail
Another way to request a tax transcript is through the mail. To do so, you should visit the IRS' website. If you are on their website already, the same as getting it online, you can see the "Get My Transcript Record" button after that, select "Get Transcript by Mail". This one is very simple because you don't have to create an account to get your transcript by mail.
The form will ask some of your personal information so you should fill it out providing that. The form will ask for your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN). You should also provide your date of birth, your mailing address as well as your zip code.
You should provide your mailing address similar to what the IRS has on file. In most cases, this is your address in your last tax return. If there are some changes with your address, you should fill out and submit the Form 8822- Change of Address before proceeding to the next step.
Choose which type of transcript you need on the drop down box that has two options for transcripts. In most cases, you should select a tax return transcript. A tax return transcript shows your adjusted gross income and also most forms and schedules from your tax return. You can also use this to verify your income, apply for student aid, or get a mortgage. While A tax account transcript provides you basic information of your return such as return type, filing status, taxable income and also payment types.
Wait for 5 to 10 days for the transcript to arrive. It will be inside an envelope. Always remember that this is not a copy of your tax return. If you would like to have one, file Form 4506 instead.
By Phone
The last option to request for a transcript is through calling. You can dial the number 1-800-908-9946 this number will connect you to an automated system so that you can request your transcript. You should follow the prompts given to you.
Make sure that your address with IRS is your latest one. If not, or if you moved since your last filing of tax return, submit the Form 8822 before calling.
Follow the prompts given to you. First, you need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and then you will be asked to give your street number address. Through this, your identity will be verified. After that, you will hear a menu that provides some option. Choose option 2 to get tax return transcripts. The last thing that you need to choose is the tax year that you want. When asked by the operator, dial the year using the keypad. If you want the year 2017 for example, then dial "2017".
Wait for 5 to 10 days for the transcript to arrive by mail. The transcript will be sent to your latest address that the IRS has on file for you.
CONTINENTAL TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES