The five transcript types
| Transcript | What it shows | Years available |
|---|---|---|
| Tax return transcript | Most line items from your original Form 1040-series return as filed, without later changes; usually what mortgage lenders want | Current and 3 prior years |
| Tax account transcript | Basic data such as filing status, taxable income and payments, including changes made after filing | Current and 9 prior years online; current and 3 prior by mail or phone |
| Record of account transcript | The tax return and tax account transcripts combined | Current and 3 prior years |
| Wage and income transcript | Data from information returns such as W-2, 1098, 1099 and 5498; current-year data generally from the first week of February | Current and 9 prior years |
| Verification of non-filing letter | That the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series return; not whether you had to file | Current year after June 15, or the prior 3 years |
The wage and income transcript is limited to about 85 income documents and may not list every form issued to you. Older tax account transcripts than those shown need Form 4506-T.
How to order
- IRS Individual Online Account: view, print or download all types; the IRS calls this the fastest method.
- By mail through IRS.gov: tax return and tax account transcripts, using the mailing address from your latest return; delivery in 5 to 10 calendar days to the address the IRS has on file.
- By phone: the automated line at 800-908-9946, same two types and the same delivery time.
- Form 4506-T: any transcript type, including older years.
All transcripts are free. If you worry about someone filing in your name, see IRS identity protection PIN.
When this year's transcript is ready
| Return filed by the April due date | Request a transcript after |
|---|---|
| E-filed, refund or no balance due, or balance paid in full with the return | 2 to 3 weeks after submitting |
| Paper, refund or no balance due | 6 to 8 weeks after mailing |
| Balance due paid in full after submitting | 3 to 4 weeks after full payment |
| Paper, balance due paid in full with the return | Mid to late June |
| Balance due not paid in full | Late May |
Refund timing is covered separately in how long does a tax refund take.
If you need a full copy of the return
A copy of the return as filed, with all attachments and forms W-2, needs Form 4506. It costs $30 per return, can take up to 75 calendar days, and copies of Form 1040 are generally available for 7 years from filing before they are destroyed. How long to keep your own copies is in how long to keep tax records, and a letter from the IRS about a past return is handled in what to do about an IRS notice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my IRS tax transcript?
Fastest is your IRS Individual Online Account, where you can view, print or download every transcript type. You can also request a tax return or tax account transcript by mail through IRS.gov or by calling the automated line at 800-908-9946; those arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address on file. Form 4506-T covers any type.
Are IRS transcripts free?
Yes. The IRS offers all transcript types at no charge. Only a full copy of your return, ordered with Form 4506, costs $30 per return.
Which transcript does a mortgage lender need?
Usually the tax return transcript, which shows most line items of your return as originally filed, according to the IRS. Ask the lender if unsure.
When is this year's transcript available?
For an e-filed return with a refund or no balance due, allow 2 to 3 weeks after submitting; for a paper return, 6 to 8 weeks after mailing. A balance due that is paid later pushes it back, per the IRS transcript availability page.
What is the difference between a transcript and a copy of my return?
A transcript is a free summary of your return or account data. A copy is the full return as filed with all attachments, costs $30 per return with Form 4506 and can take up to 75 calendar days; copies of Form 1040 are generally kept for 7 years.
Sources
- IRS: Transcript types and ways to order them (the five transcript types, what each shows, years available, no charge, Individual Online Account, by mail, phone 800-908-9946, 5 to 10 calendar days, Form 4506-T)
- IRS: Get transcript (online as the fastest method, mail requests using the address from your latest return, Form 4506 for a copy of a return)
- IRS: Transcript availability (waiting times for e-filed and paper returns with and without a balance due)
- IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, April 2025 ($30 fee per return, up to 75 calendar days, copies of Forms 1040 generally available for 7 years)
General information based on the sources above, not tax, legal or financial advice.