What is a tax transcript and how to get one (fast)?

This article defines tax transcripts, outlines the different types, and explains why you might need them.

A tax transcript is an official summary of your past tax information that you can request directly from the IRS. It’s one of the easiest ways to access your prior‑year tax data, especially if you’ve misplaced old returns or need proof of income for a loan, financial aid, or government program. This guide explains what tax transcripts are, the different types, and exactly how to get your tax transcript online immediately, based on the IRS’s latest instructions.

You’ll also find helpful tax‑season resources, including how to organize your documents, what paperwork to gather before filing, and how to digitize your tax records for easier preparation.

What is a tax transcript?

Tax transcripts are a summary of certain kinds of tax information. A tax transcript is a free summary of key information from your tax return. Unlike a full copy of your return, a transcript includes only the most important data, such as your filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, and certain account activity.

You may need a tax transcript when:

• applying for a mortgage or business loan
• verifying income for financial aid or government programs
• filing current‑year taxes and needing last year’s AGI
• replacing lost or deleted tax documents

Not everyone knows how long to keep tax returns, so if you’ve accidentally thrown them out or lost them, tax transcripts come in handy.

Types of tax transcripts

There are five different types of tax transcripts. Here’s the list and what’s included in each:

1. Tax Return Transcript. This type summarizes the lines entered on your original tax return.
2. Tax Account Transcript. Here you’ll find your filing status and adjusted gross income.
3. Record of Account Transcript. This one is a combination of the previous two.
4. Wages and Income Transcript. This transcript shows only the income section of your return.
5. Verification of Non-filing Letter. This form can prove you didn’t file for a specific year.

What does a tax transcript look like?

A transcript typically includes:

• Your name and Social Security number
• Filing status
• Adjusted gross income
• Taxable income
• Credits and payments
• Account activity

The exact layout varies depending on the transcript type, but all provide a clear summary of IRS‑verified tax information for a specific year.

How can I get my tax transcript online immediately?

The IRS will mail you any of these different tax transcripts, but the quickest and easiest way to receive them is to download a PDF directly from their website. Save the transcript to your computer or device, and make sure it looks as expected in a PDF viewer. You can then print it or forward it to the company or agency that requires it. Plus, it’s easy to use and password-protect PDFs so that they’re secure.

To get your tax transcript online immediately, follow these steps:

1. Visit the IRS website. Go to the official website of the IRS.
2. Click Get Your Tax Record. On the IRS homepage, locate the Get Your Tax Record link. This prompt will direct you to the page where you can request your tax transcript.
3. Choose Get Transcript Online. On the Get Your Tax Record page, select the Get Transcript Online option.
4. Create or log in to your account. If you have not used the online tool before, you will need to create an account. If you already have one, log in using your existing credentials.
5. Verify your identity. To protect your personal information, the IRS will ask you to verify your identity. You will need to provide information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address.
6. Select the tax year and transcript type. Choose the specific tax year for which you need the transcript and the type of transcript you require (Return Transcript or Account Transcript).
7. View and download the transcript. After completing the verification process, you can view and download your tax transcript immediately from the website.

There’s much more you can do with Adobe Acrobat online services — take a moment and explore.

How to get a tax transcript by mail or phone

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a transcript by mail or phone:

• get transcript by mail (5–10 days) here.
• automated phone transcript service at 800‑908‑9946 (5–10 days)
• form 4506‑T to request any transcript type by mail

Tax transcript vs. tax return: what’s the difference?

Many people use the terms “tax transcript” and “tax return” interchangeably, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing the distinction can save you time, especially when a lender, school, or tax preparer asks for one or the other. This quick comparison breaks down what each document includes, when you’ll need them, and how to decide which one is right for your situation.