Can a tax preparer get my transcript

As part of the federal verification process, you may be required to provide a copy of an IRS Tax Return Transcript to confirm the information filed on your federal tax return.

An IRS Tax Return Transcript can be obtained:

• ONLINE: Visit www.irs.gov. Click on Get Your Tax Record, and then click on Get Transcript Online or Get Transcript by Mail.
• • Online requests require the Social Security number, filing status and mailing address from the latest tax returns, an email account, a mobile phone with your name on the account, and your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or a car loan.
  • If you do not have all of the above, you will need to use an IRS Form 4506-T to request a copy of your tax return transcript. (See below.)
• PHONE: Call 1-800-908-9946.
• PAPER: Complete an IRS Form 4506-T, available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf, and submit it to the IRS as indicated on the form.
• • On the form, check Box 6a, "Return Transcript," to request the tax return transcript. Please complete all appropriate sections on the form to identify yourself, indicate the appropriate dates in Section 9, and sign the form, making sure to check the Signature check box.
  • Because the tax transcript will not include your USC ID number, DO NOT have it sent directly to USC. Have it sent to you so that you can upload a copy of it through FAST.

PLEASE NOTE: You must enter names, Social Security numbers and street addresses exactly as they appear on the latest tax return. Joint tax filers must both be listed, in the order they appear on the tax return.

Step-by-step instructions for completing the paper form:

1a   The first and last name as shown on the tax return. If you submitted a joint return, enter the name shown first.
1b   The first Social Security number used on the tax return.
2a   If applicable, spouse's first and last name as shown on the tax return.
2b   If applicable, spouse's Social Security number as shown on the tax return.
3     Current name of the first tax filer and address, city, state and zip code. This is the address where the IRS will send the transcript.
4     Previous address shown on the last tax return if different from line 3.
5     Leave blank
6     Enter 1040.
6A  Check this box to request the tax return transcript. Do not select 6B or 6C.
7     Leave blank.
8     Leave blank.
9     Enter December 31, 2020, to request a transcript for the correct tax filing period.

Signature Section:

• Fill in the Attestation Box.
• Sign and date the form, and include your phone number.
• At least one tax filer needs to sign the form for a joint return.

Mail the form to the IRS at the appropriate address provided in the middle column of page 2. Please do not submit IRS Form 4506-T to the university.

There’s one simple answer for getting all your records of tax filings, income, and account activity from the IRS: tax transcripts. But it’s not that simple at all.

Many people have never heard of a tax transcript – much less understand why they may want to access theirs. And because IRS transcripts aren’t exactly easy reading material, people get confused after they have their transcripts in hand.

Here are the most common questions and answers to help you understand IRS transcripts.

1. Why would I want to get my tax transcript?

Most of the time, people use tax transcripts to:

• Understand their status with the IRS
• Get their income history
• Verify their tax return information for a third party, such as a lender or for a legal issue
• Prepare accurate and complete tax returns that show all their income reported to the IRS
• Help resolve many tax notices, discrepancies, and other issues
• Research their account if they’re under IRS audit

2. Who can get transcripts online?

Several years ago, the IRS gave individual taxpayers online access to their IRS transcripts. If you set up an account on the IRS Get Transcript tool, you can view the five types of transcripts right away. Business taxpayers can call the IRS at (800) 829-4933.

Learn more about researching your IRS account.

3. What are the five types of transcripts?

1. An account transcript provides an overview of your account.

It shows filings, extensions, withholding, credits and any follow-up transactions on your account, including penalties, assessments, IRS inquiries and other account activity.

Basically, most IRS actions on your account will appear on this transcript.

2. A return transcript shows most lines from the original tax return as it was processed.

Changes made to the return after it was processed are not reflected, including any amended returns you may have filed. If you need a copy of your tax return for any reason, such as a loan or financial aid application, this is the transcript to use.

3. A record of account transcript is simply a combination of the account and return transcripts.

The IRS makes this available because it shows the big picture, from your original return filed to any changes made to the return after processing. This transcript is especially helpful if you want to file an amended return because it will show the original return information plus any indicators of changes made to the return (such as prior amended returns or audit adjustments), which are required to complete an accurate amended return.

4. A wage and income transcript provides a listing of information statements (Forms W-2, 1099) that show income reported to the IRS under your Taxpayer Identification Number.

You can use this transcript to help with your research to accurately file a late or extended tax return, verify employment, or keep a personal record of income.

5. A verification of nonfiling letter is a transcript that is automatically produced when the IRS doesn’t have your return on file or hasn’t yet processed your filed return.

Many taxpayers use this transcript to apply for public benefits, such as low-income housing, which requires proof of nonfiling.

4. How many years are available for each type of transcript?

The IRS generates separate transcripts for each tax year. In the IRS Get Transcript tool, each transcript is available as a separate link, listed by tax year. Here are the number of years available for each type of IRS transcript:

• Account transcripts: Current tax year and three prior tax years. Older account transcripts can appear if there has been activity within the past three years on the account.
• Return transcripts: Current tax year and three prior tax years. If you don’t see a return transcript available for download, it likely means that you didn’t file a return for that year, or that the IRS hasn’t processed the return.
• Record of account transcripts: Current tax year, five prior years, and any years with recent activity, such as a payment or notice.
• Wage and income transcripts: Current tax year and nine prior tax years. In mid-May, wage and income transcripts become available for the previous tax year. For example, 2013 wage and income transcripts became available in May 2014. The May transcript will have most of the items registered for the last tax year.
• Verification of nonfiling letter: Current tax year and three prior tax years.

5. Why don’t my tax return transcript and account transcript show the return I filed?

Your filed return will be reflected on your transcripts only after the IRS is finished processing the return. Returns usually post to account transcripts in about one to two weeks. Return transcripts take longer, especially if you owe taxes with the return.

6. What do the transaction codes mean on my account transcript?

Transcript transaction codes represent actions on your IRS account and provide a literal description of the action. For routine filers with no post-filing compliance activity, account transcripts are typically easy to interpret. But, if you have any post-filing compliance activity, such as tax notices and back-and-forth correspondence with the IRS, transcripts can be confusing.

The IRS Transaction Codes Pocket Guide offers explanations, but people who use the guide can misinterpret codes and draw the wrong conclusions. It’s a good idea to seek the help of a tax expert to translate the codes.

7. Can my account transcript tell me if the IRS selected my return for audit?

Every year, the IRS selects millions of returns for examination, but audits only a fraction of those selected. If you see TC 420, “Examination of tax return,” on your account transcript, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be audited. If you’re actually being audited, you’ll receive a separate notice from the IRS. Generally, the IRS will start an audit within a year after you file the return. Learn how to handle an IRS audit.

Learn how to research your IRS account.

Your tax pro can also contact the IRS for you to research your account, ask questions, and resolve any IRS or state issues you may have. Learn about H&R Block’s Tax Audit & Notice Services. Or get help from a trusted IRS expert.

How do I retrieve my tax transcript?

Is there any other way to get a tax transcript?

What does a tax transcript show?