What a tax transcript is
A transcript is an IRS summary of your tax information — not a photocopy of your return. Form 4506-T requests one of several types: a return transcript (most line items from the return as filed), an account transcript (payments, penalties and changes made after filing), a record of account (the two combined), a wage and income transcript (data from W-2s, 1099s and similar forms the IRS received), or a verification of non-filing. Transcripts are free.
When people use it
Mortgage and student-aid applications are the classic reasons: the lender or school wants to see income verified by the IRS rather than taken from your own copy. Individuals can also view and download most transcripts themselves through the IRS online account. Note that many mortgage lenders now use a different form, 4506-C, through the IRS's income verification service — if a lender gives you their own form, use theirs.
Filling it in
The 2-page form has 29 fields:
- Lines 1–4 — the name(s) and SSN(s) shown on the return, and current and previous addresses.
- Line 5 — optional third-party and customer-file details. Read the note printed on the form: since July 2019 the IRS mails transcripts only to the taxpayer's address of record.
- Lines 6–9 — which transcript, and for which tax years or periods.
- Signature — by the taxpayer; for a joint return, either spouse can sign.
FAQ
Does this get me a copy of my actual return?
No. A photocopy of a filed return is requested with Form 4506, which carries a fee. Form 4506-T is for free transcripts.
Where do I send it?
To the IRS address or fax number listed in the instructions on the form, based on where you lived when the return was filed.
Which revision is this?
The IRS revision dated April 2025.