Generally, most needs can be met with a tax return transcript, showing information from the return as it was filed, provided free of charge. For instance, this is usually true for sponsoring an immigrant or obtaining student loans and house mortgages. A tax account transcript will also show any adjustments made after the return was filed.

You can obtain a transcript by calling 1–800–829–1040 or obtaining, completing and mailing Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Transcript or Tax Return, to the address contained in form instructions. If there is no box to check for ordering the tax account transcript, you may write it in.

Transcripts will be mailed directly to you if you call in the order. Transcripts may be mailed directly to a third party if you so specify on Form 4506 and sign and date giving your consent for disclosure.

You will receive your transcript in 7–10 work days after IRS date of receipt of order.

If, for some reason, you must have copy of the return, you should complete and mail Form 4506, along with a check or money order for the fee indicated on the form for each tax period requested. It will take 30–60 calendar days to obtain a copy of a return.

For more information on obtaining information/copies of Form W-2 (PDF), refer to Tax Topic 154 (current processing year) and Tax Topic 159 (prior years).

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