Get Tax Return Transcript | PowerVisa Immigration Lawyers

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) address specific questions about the IRS Get Transcript service. For instructions on how to get a copy of your W2 Wage and Tax Statement, please click here.

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Get Transcript Online FAQs

The following FAQs address questions you may have about Get Transcript Online.

Q1. How do I get a transcript online?

Upon successful registration, we give you the option to “continue” and use Get Transcript Online. We’ll ask you the reason you need a transcript to help you determine which type may be best for you. Get Transcript Online provides access to all transcript types and available years for you to view, print, or download from your browser.

You may log in with your username and password any time after you’ve registered by clicking on the Get Transcript Online button.

Q2. Can I use Get Transcript Online as a guest user?

No, you must register and verify your identity to use Get Transcript Online. Once registered, you’ll need your username, password, and the security code we text you each time to log in and get a transcript online.

Q3. What if I can’t verify my identity and use Get Transcript Online?

Refer to Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them for alternatives to Get Transcript Online. You may use Get Transcript by Mail or you may call our automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946 to order a tax return or tax account transcript be sent by mail. Please allow 5 to 10 calendar days from the time we receive your request for your transcript to arrive. The time frame for delivery is the same for all available tax years.

Q4. I got a message 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 and filing status from your latest tax return. If you’re still receiving the message, you’ll need to use the Get Transcript by Mail option or submit a Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

Q5. What do I do if I’m unable to view my verification of non-filing letter when I click on an available tax year? (updated October 29, 2021)

If you get an error when you try to view your verification of non-filing letter, you’ll need to request it by submitting Form 4506-T. PDF

Q6. 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.

Q7. 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. Current tax year information may not be complete until July.

Get Transcript by Mail FAQs

The following FAQs address questions you may have about Get Transcript by Mail.

Q1. What if I’m unable to use Get Transcript by Mail?

If you’re unable to use Get T ranscript by Mail, you may try our automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946 and also receive your transcript by mail. Please allow 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.

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?

Get Transcript Online or by Mail FAQs

The following FAQs address questions you may have that apply to both Get Transcript Online and by Mail.

Q1. Can I give my information to a company or a practitioner with a Power of Attorney to request a transcript on my behalf? (updated October 29, 2021)

The Get Transcript service is for individual taxpayers to retrieve their own transcripts for their own purposes. Use by any other entities is prohibited.

Q2. Can I request a transcript if I filed jointly with my spouse and my name and SSN was listed second on our tax return?

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

Please note, only the account and the tax return transcript types are available using Get Transcript by Mail. Use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, if you need a different transcript type and can’t use Get Transcript Online.

Q3. How long must I wait before a transcript is available for my current year tax return?

If you filed your tax return electronically, IRS’s return processing takes from 2 to 4 weeks before a transcript becomes available. If you mailed your tax return, it takes about 6 weeks. If you didn’t pay all the tax you owe, your transcript may not be available until mid-May or a week after you pay the full amount owed. Refer to transcript availability for more information.

Once your transcript is available, you may use Get Transcript Online. You may order a tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript using Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946. Please allow 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery. You may also submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The time frame for delivery is the same for all available tax years.

Q4. Can I use Get Transcript if I’m a victim of Identity Theft?

Yes, you can still access Get Transcript Online or by Mail. If we’re unable to process your request due to identity theft, you’ll receive an online message, or a letter if using the Mail option, that provides specific instructions to request a transcript. You may also want to visit our Identity Protection page for more information.

Q5. How do I request a transcript for an older tax year when it’s not available online?

Tax return and record of account transcripts are only available for the current tax year and three prior tax years when using Get Transcript Online. Note: There is a “show all +” expand button below the online tax account transcript type that may provide additional tax years you need. Otherwise, you must submit Form 4506-T to request a transcript for a tax year not available.

Tax return and tax account transcripts are also limited to the current and prior three tax years when using Get Transcript by Mail. To get older tax account transcripts, submit Form 4506-T.

Q6. 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 due to 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.

Q7. 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, student and small business loan applications, and to help with tax preparation.

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

Q8. Are there foreign language versions of the Get Transcript Online and Get Transcript by Mail tools?

Only Get Transcript by Mail is available in Spanish through Ordenar Transcripción. However, we’ve translated the Get Transcript webpage into five foreign languages to help users before they try to verify their identity and use Get Transcript Online, which is available only in English.