Accessing Your IRS Tax Transcript: It is Your Right

By: Dr. Rhonda Baylor

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In 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) received approximately 163 million tax returns (Internal Revenue Service, 2024). Millions of Americans file taxes every year; yet, most have never accessed or even heard of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax transcript. However, the tax transcript contains considerably valuable information and you are entitled to receive yours from the IRS. Your tax transcript contains information about your transaction history with the IRS.

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Reasons to Access Your Tax Transcript:

Review your payment history,
Find out how much money you owe the IRS,
Access income information reported by employers in case you have lost your W-2 form(s),
Reduce identity theft by ensuring your social security number is only being used by you to file taxes,
Access your tax records s in the event of an audit; and
Access IRS letters and correspondence documents.

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Accessing your tax transcript is complimentary; thus, no payments are required. You can request your tax transcripts one of three ways. One, you can create an online account and access the data immediately. You must go through a verification process which will require you to provide personal information. Also, the site may require you to take a picture of yourself for verification purposes. Two, you can call the IRS to request the documents. Three, using the online portal, you can request the tax transcripts be mailed to your home. It is important to note that a tax transcript is not a photocopy of your return. If you need a copy of an original return, you must submit Form 4506 - Request for Copy of Tax Return. Transcripts are also available for businesses. Click here for more information about accessing a business tax transcript.

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References:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Filing season statistics for week ending Dec.27, 2024. Retrieved from: Filing season statistics for week ending Dec. 27, 2024 | Internal Revenue Service