Navigating your tax information can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you need specific documents like a tax transcript. While TurboTax is your go-to for preparing and filing your returns, it's crucial to understand that tax transcripts are issued directly by the IRS, not by TurboTax. TurboTax can help you access copies of the returns you filed with them, but for an official IRS tax transcript, you'll need to go to the source.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the precise steps to obtain your tax transcript online from the IRS, highlighting how TurboTax fits into the overall picture by helping you access your past return information if needed for the IRS process.
Understanding the Difference: TurboTax vs. IRS Transcripts
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify a common point of confusion:
TurboTax provides you with copies of the tax returns you prepared and filed using their software. These are your personal records of what you submitted to the IRS. TurboTax saves PDF copies of your filed returns for up to seven years.
IRS Tax Transcripts are official summaries of your tax information as recorded by the IRS. They are often required for various purposes like loan applications, student financial aid (FAFSA), or verifying income. The IRS offers several types of transcripts, including:
Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original Form 1040, 1040-A, or 1040-EZ, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect changes made after you filed.
Tax Account Transcript: Provides basic data like filing status, type of return filed, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), and any adjustments made by you or the IRS after filing.
Wage and Income Transcript: Displays information reported to the IRS by employers and other third parties, such as W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s.
Record of Account Transcript: Combines the information from the tax return and tax account transcripts, offering a comprehensive view.
Verification of Non-filing Letter: Proves that you did not file a tax return for a specific year.
Most of the time, when someone asks for a "tax transcript," they are referring to the Tax Return Transcript or the Tax Account Transcript. These are generally free from the IRS.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to View Your Tax Transcript Online from the IRS
Ready to get started? Let's begin the journey to retrieve your tax transcript directly from the IRS.
Step 1: Are you ready to access your official IRS tax records?
The first and most crucial step is to prepare for the IRS's Secure Access identity verification process. This isn't something TurboTax directly controls, but it's essential for anyone seeking their transcript online.
Gather Your Information: You'll need several pieces of information to verify your identity. This typically includes:
Your Social Security Number (SSN)
Your date of birth
Your filing status from your most recently filed tax return
Your current mailing address (it must exactly match the one on file with the IRS from your last tax return)
Account numbers from a loan (mortgage, home equity, car loan) or credit card associated with your name. You will need one of these to confirm your identity.
A mobile phone in your name with a U.S. number, capable of receiving text messages for a one-time verification code.
Why is this so important? The IRS uses this rigorous verification process to protect your sensitive tax information from unauthorized access. Without successful identity verification, you won't be able to view your transcript online.
Step 2: Navigate to the IRS Get Transcript Online Tool
Now that you have your information ready, it's time to visit the official source.
Access the IRS Website: Open your web browser and go to the official IRS "Get Transcript" page. You can usually find this by searching "IRS Get Transcript" or directly navigating to
IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.Choose "Get Transcript Online": On the IRS Get Transcript page, you'll see two primary options: "Get Transcript Online" and "Get Transcript by Mail." For immediate access, you want to select "Get Transcript Online."
Step 3: Sign In or Create Your IRS Online Account (ID.me)
This is where the identity verification happens. The IRS uses a third-party provider, ID.me, for its Secure Access authentication.
Existing ID.me Account: If you've previously accessed IRS online services or other government services that use ID.me, you can select "Sign In with ID.me" and enter your existing email and password.
New ID.me Account: If this is your first time, you'll need to create an ID.me account. This process involves:
Entering your email address and creating a password.
Verifying your email address.
Setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA). This usually involves receiving a code via text message to your mobile phone or using an authenticator app. This is a critical security step!
Verifying your identity. This is the most extensive part. You'll be prompted to enter the personal and financial information you gathered in Step 1. It's crucial that this information precisely matches what the IRS has on file. Any discrepancy, even a minor address difference, can cause the verification to fail.
Troubleshooting Identity Verification: If you encounter issues with ID.me verification (e.g., your address doesn't match, or you don't have the required financial accounts), the online method might not be available to you. Don't worry, there are alternative methods discussed later in the FAQ.
Step 4: Select the Type of Transcript and Tax Year
Once you've successfully logged into your IRS online account via ID.me, you'll be on your personal tax records page.
Navigate to "Tax Records": Look for a section or link labeled "Tax Records" or "Transcripts."
Choose Transcript Type: The IRS offers several types of transcripts. Select the one that best suits your needs:
Tax Return Transcript (most commonly requested for FAFSA or loan applications, provides income and filing information)
Tax Account Transcript (shows payment history, balance due, etc.)
Wage and Income Transcript (lists reported income from W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
Record of Account Transcript (combines return and account information)
Select the Tax Year: After choosing the transcript type, you'll need to select the specific tax year you need the transcript for. The IRS typically provides transcripts for the current year and the past three prior years online.
Step 5: View, Print, or Download Your Transcript
Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you're just a few clicks away from your transcript.
View Online: The transcript will typically be displayed directly on your screen. You can review the information there.
Print: You'll usually see an option to print the transcript directly from your browser.
Download: For a digital copy, look for a "Download" or "Save as PDF" option. It's highly recommended to download and save a copy for your records.
Important Note on Masking: For your protection, IRS tax transcripts partially mask personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers. However, all financial entries remain fully visible. This is a security measure to prevent misuse of your data while still providing the necessary financial details.
How TurboTax Fits In (and Doesn't)
While TurboTax doesn't issue IRS transcripts, it plays a vital role in providing you with your own filed tax return documents. This can be useful if you need to refer to your original return details while navigating the IRS transcript system, or if you simply need a copy of your filed return for other purposes.
Accessing Your Filed Returns in TurboTax:
Sign in to your TurboTax online account using the User ID you used to file your previous returns.
Once logged in, look for a section like "Your tax returns & documents" or "Documents."
Select the tax year you need.
You should find an option to download a PDF copy of your return. TurboTax typically retains these for up to seven years.
Desktop Software Users: If you used TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download), your tax return files are saved directly on your computer's hard drive or any backup device you used. You'll need to locate these files on your system.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To...
Here are some common questions related to accessing tax transcripts, with quick and helpful answers:
How to get a tax transcript if I can't verify my identity online?
If you're unable to verify your identity through the IRS online tool (ID.me), you can still get a tax transcript by mail or phone. Use the IRS's "Get Transcript by Mail" service online or call their automated phone line at 800-908-9946. Allow 5-10 calendar days for delivery.
How to get a copy of my actual tax return from the IRS?
A tax transcript is a summary, not a copy of your entire return. To get an exact copy of your tax return with all schedules and attachments, you must file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, with the IRS. There's a fee for each copy, and it can take up to 75 days to process.
How to find my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) if I need it for verification?
Your AGI is a crucial piece of information for many tax-related verifications. You can find it on your Tax Return Transcript from the IRS (usually near the middle of the first page). Alternatively, if you have a copy of your filed tax return from TurboTax, the AGI is typically on line 11 of Form 1040 (or equivalent lines for older forms like 1040-A or 1040-EZ).
How to request a transcript for a prior year not available online?
The IRS typically makes transcripts available online for the current year and the three prior tax years. For older tax years (up to 10 years), you might need to use Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and submit it by mail.
How to get a transcript for someone else (e.g., a deceased relative)?
To request a transcript for someone else, you generally need to have proper authorization, such as a power of attorney (Form 2848) or proof of your legal authority (e.g., executor of an estate). You would typically use Form 4506-T.
How to check the status of a transcript request by mail?
There isn't a direct online tool to track the status of a transcript requested by mail. You'll need to wait the estimated 5-10 business days for it to arrive. If it doesn't arrive within that timeframe, you may need to submit another request.
How to get a transcript if my address has changed since I last filed?
When requesting a transcript by mail, the IRS sends it to the address on file from your last tax return. If your address has changed, you need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS before requesting the transcript to ensure it's sent to the correct location. Allow 4-6 weeks for the address change to process.
How to understand the different types of IRS transcripts?
The IRS provides several types of transcripts, each serving a different purpose. The Tax Return Transcript shows your original return data, the Tax Account Transcript shows account activity (payments, adjustments), the Wage and Income Transcript lists income reported by third parties (W-2s, 1099s), and the Record of Account Transcript combines the return and account information. Choose the one that provides the specific details you need.
How to get a business tax transcript?
For business tax transcripts, you can generally view, print, or download them in your business tax account on the IRS website. Alternatively, you can request them by mail using Form 4506-T or by calling the IRS business and specialty tax line.
How to get a transcript if I filed my taxes on paper?
If you filed your tax return on paper, you'll generally need to wait longer for your transcript to be available online. The IRS recommends allowing 6-8 weeks after mailing your return before requesting a transcript. If you need it sooner, you might have to wait for it to process or consider requesting a copy of your return via Form 4506 (for a fee).