Tax Transcripts: What They Are and How to Get One

When most people think about their tax return, they think about the forms they complete and submit to the IRS each year.

But sometimes, you need more than your original tax return.

You may need proof of your tax information when applying for a mortgage, getting a loan, completing financial paperwork, or handling other important life events.

That is where a tax transcript can help.

A tax transcript is an official record from the IRS that summarizes certain information from your tax records.

Blind and low-vision people do the same things everyone else does, including buying homes, applying for loans, attending school, and making major financial decisions. Knowing how to access important financial documents is an important life skill.

What Is a Tax Transcript?

A tax transcript is not a copy of your original tax return.

Instead, it is a document created by the IRS that shows specific information from your tax records.

Different transcripts provide different types of information, so the right transcript depends on why you need it.

Types of Tax Transcripts

The IRS provides several types of transcripts.

Tax Return Transcript

A tax return transcript shows many of the details from your original tax return, including information from forms and schedules submitted with your return.

This type of transcript is often used for situations such as:

Applying for a mortgage
Applying for financial aid
Verifying income information

Keep in mind that it does not show changes made after the original return was filed.

Tax Account Transcript

A tax account transcript provides information about your tax account, including details such as:

Filing status
Taxable income
Payments made
Adjustments made after filing

This can be useful when you need information about updates or changes made after your original tax return was submitted.

Record of Account Transcript

A record of account transcript combines information from both a tax return transcript and a tax account transcript.

This provides a more complete picture of your tax information.

Wage and Income Transcript

A wage and income transcript shows information reported to the IRS by employers and financial institutions.

This may include information from forms such as:

W-2s
1099s
1098s
Other income-related forms

This transcript can be helpful if you need to review income information reported to the IRS.

Verification of Non-Filing Letter

A verification of non-filing letter confirms that the IRS does not have a record of a processed tax return for a specific year.

This does not determine whether you were required to file a tax return. It only confirms whether the IRS has processed one.

How Can You Get a Tax Transcript?

The IRS provides several ways to request a transcript.

Request Online

The fastest option for many people is using an IRS online account.

Through an online account, you can view, download, and print available transcripts.

Request by Mail or Phone

You can also request a transcript by mail or by calling the IRS automated transcript service.

Mail requests generally take several days to arrive.

Submit Form 4506-T

You can request certain transcripts by submitting Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

This may be useful if online access is not available or if you need to request specific tax information.

Need a Copy of Your Actual Tax Return?

A transcript is not the same thing as a copy of your tax return.

If you need an actual copy of your previously filed tax return, you must request it separately from the IRS using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.

A copy of a tax return may involve processing fees and additional wait times.

Keep Important Financial Records Accessible

Managing your finances means knowing how to access important documents when you need them.

Whether you are applying for a mortgage, starting a business, managing taxes, or planning for your future, having access to your records can make the process easier.

For people who are blind or have low vision, developing these skills is an important part of financial independence.

Understanding where to find your tax information is one more tool you can use to make confident financial decisions.

Continue Building Your Financial Knowledge With Penny Forward

At Penny Forward, we believe that financial education helps people who are blind or have low vision build stronger financial futures.

From taxes and benefits to saving, investing, and managing money, understanding your finances gives you more control over your decisions.

Explore more financial education resources from Penny Forward and continue building the knowledge you need for your financial journey.

What’s Next?

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