You are not able to get a copy of your transcript until the IRS has finished processing the return. Even after the IRS has processed the return, transcripts are not available immediately. Visit the IRS website to obtain a copy of your transcript online or by mail.
When will my transcript be available?
The following timeline for transcript availability is released by the IRS and based on a normal tax filing season. Additionally, if your return is being reviewed, these timeframes may not apply.
The timeline for transcript availability if you filed electronically is as follows:
- Refund or amount due that was paid in full at the time of the filing- 2-3 weeks after the return submission.
- Paid the amount due in full after you submitted your return - 3-4 weeks after the IRS receives payment in full.
- Balance due and payment in full has not been received- Late May.
The timeline for transcript availability if you filed a paper return is as follows:
- Refund or amount due that was paid in full at the time of the filing- 6-8 weeks after filing your return.
- Paid the amount due in full after you submitted your return- Mid to late June.
- Balance due and payment in full has not been received- Mid to late June.
How do I Get a Transcript Online?
To order the transcript online, you will need to have:
- Your SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return
- Access to your email account
- Credit card number or Account number from an auto loan, mortgage, home equity loan or home equity line of credit
- A mobile phone with your name on the account (Skype, Google Voice or similar virtual phones may not be used. Pay As You Go phones may not be used. Phone number must be US based)
What if I don't have an IRS account?
First time users will need to create an IRS account to order a transcript.
First you will be asked to enter your name and email address. A confirmation code will be sent to the email address. The confirmation code is valid for 15 minutes only. Enter the code into the IRS website. You will be directed to continue to enter your personal information.
The IRS has implemented more security features to help safeguard your information. On the next page, you will be asked to verify some financial information. This could be a credit card number, an auto loan number, a mortgage account number or a home equity line of credit account number. If you cannot provide this information, you will not be able to use the online transcript tool. However, you can still order a copy of your transcript online to be mailed to your home.
Next, the IRS asks that you verify your phone number. The phone number must be associated with your name. The IRS will send a six digit text to this number. Enter the code into the screen and click Continue.
You will be asked to create your user profile. This will be used each time you access the Transcript Tool. Create a Username and Password. The password must:
- be between 8 and 20 characters long
- contain at last one numeric and one special character
- contain at least one uppercase and one lowercase letter
- matching password must be re-entered
Enter your email address and provide the IRS with a Site Phrase and Site Image that you will recognize when you sign in.
After entering all the information required, the IRS will email you a copy of the tax transcript to the email address you provided.
I am having trouble using the IRS Get Transcript tool
Please review the IRS FAQs on how to access your transcript.