How to Request an IRS Tax Return Transcript

You can request transcripts in one of three ways:

  • Online
  • By phone using the IRS automated self-help service tools
  • By mail (this option takes longer than the others)

There is no charge to request a transcript from the IRS.

IMPORTANT: If you are a dependent student for financial aid and both you and your parent(s) filed a tax return, each of you must request an IRS Transcript.

Online Request

  • Go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov
  • On the homepage, look for "Tools," then click on “Order a Return or Account Transcript”
  • Look for "3 Go get your transcript!"  and select “Order a Transcript.”
  • As instructed, enter the tax filer’s social security number, date of birth, street address, and zip or postal code. Use the address currently on file with the IRS. Generally this will be the address that was listed on the latest tax return filed. However, if an address change has been completed through the US Postal Service, the IRS may have the updated address on file.  
  • Click “Continue” in the Type of Transcript field, select “Return Transcript” and in the Tax Year field, select “2012." If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address included in their online request.

Telephone Request

  • Available from the IRS by calling 1-800-908-9946.
  • Follow prompts to enter the tax filer’s social security number and the numbers in their street address. Generally this will be numbers of the street address that was listed on the latest tax return filed.  However, if an address change has been completed through the US Postal Service, the IRS may have the updated address on file.
  • Be sure to request the year “2012” when prompted.
  • If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address that was used in their telephone request.
  • Paper Request Form — IRS Form 4506T-EZ
  • Note: Processing form 4506T-EZ means verifying/validating the information provided on the form. If any information does not match the IRS records, the IRS will notify the tax filer that it was not able to provide the transcript. 
  • IRS Form 4506T-EZ should be used instead of IRS Form 4506-T because it is sufficient to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript.
  • Download at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tez.pdf follow the instructions on page 2 of the form.  Note that line 3 should be the most current address as filed with the IRS. It is the address where the IRS Tax Return Transcript will be sent. If the address has recently changed, include the address listed on the latest tax return filed on Line 4. However, if an address change has been completed through the US Postal Service, the IRS may have the updated address on file.
  • Skip line 5; the IRS Tax Return Transcript must be mailed directly to you not to JSC as a third party You are responsible for receipt of the transcript and that it has been provided to you by the IRS.
  • Be sure to enter “2012” to receive the IRS tax information for the correct tax year.
  • The tax filers (or spouse if requesting information from a joint tax return) must sign and date the form and enter their telephone number. Only one signature is required to request a transcript for a joint return.
  • Mail or fax the form to the appropriate address or fax number provided on page 2 of the form. You cannot submit this form online.
  • You will receive the IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address you provided on the 4506T-EZ.

Helpful Information

  • When parents submit their IRS Transcript please put your student’s name and ID # on the transcript. Last names can be different or there may be students with the same name.
  • If the student filed a tax return they must also request a Tax Transcript not only the parents.
  • The IRS website states how long before you will receive the transcript. Please contact the IRS directly at 1-800-908-9946 if you think too much time has passed.
  • Tax transcripts can be requested regardless of which type of tax return was filed.
  • Do not request a copy of your complete tax return from the IRS; JSC can only accept a transcript.
  • Be sure you request a Tax Return Transcript not a Tax Account Transcript.
  • The quickest way to request a transcript is online or by phone because a paper request must be validated and this requires more time.
  • Do not mail or fax us photocopies of your actual tax return; this is no longer allowed for documentation of tax information. Our office must shred any tax returns sent to us and you will still receive emails from our office that your IRS Tax Transcript is needed.
  • This new requirement that only IRS Tax Transcripts can be used to verify tax information is a federal policy all colleges must follow, this is not only a JSC policy.