Requesting a transcript from the IRS may be beneficial if you are looking for wage and income information reported on a tax return within the past 10 years. A transcript will include information reported on Form W-2, Form 1099 series, Form 1098 series, and Form 5498 series. To request a transcript, a taxpayer must complete Form 4506-T. Up to eight years may be requested on one Form 4506-T. A check or money order made payable to the "United States Treasury" for $50 must be included for each year requested. Your social security number and the words "Form 4506-T" should be included on the memo line of your check.
If a full transcript is not required, taxpayers have the option to request only a copy of Form W-2. In this case, taxpayers must request full copies of their tax returns for the year(s) needed. The same $50 fee per tax year as above applies. However, you will only receive an actual copy of Form W-2 if in fact a paper return was filed and a copy of Form W-2 was submitted with the return. If the tax returns were e-filed and unavailable from the IRS, Form W-2 can also be requested from the Social Security Administration for a fee. The simplest way to request a copy of Form W-2, would be to ask your employer, when possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tax return transcript?
A tax return transcript is a summary of the information reported on your filed tax return. It includes line-by-line data from the original return, such as income, deductions, and credits, but does not include changes made after filing. Tax return transcripts are often requested when verifying income or applying for loans.
What is an account transcript from the IRS?
An account transcript shows the summary of your account activity with the IRS, including payments, penalties, adjustments, and any balance due. It does not provide a full copy of your filed return but is useful for tracking IRS account transactions.
Where to find your tax return or transcript?
You can request a tax return transcript or account transcript from the IRS using Form 4506-T. Transcripts can cover up to 10 years of tax returns.