To download your personal IRS tax transcript, use your Individual Online Account. The IRS describes online access as its fastest option; if you cannot register, you can request a tax return or tax account transcript by mail instead.
Download through your IRS account
Start at the IRS tax-records page[1] and follow the link to sign in to your Individual Online Account. There you can view, print or download transcripts. The account also provides payment history and your prior-year adjusted gross income, or AGI.
Current-year transcript availability depends on whether you filed electronically or on paper and whether you had a balance due.
Request a transcript by mail
On the same IRS page, choose the option to get a transcript by mail. Have the mailing address from your latest return ready. This route provides tax return or tax account transcripts, which the IRS says arrive in 5–10 calendar days at the address it has on file for you.
You can also request a mailed transcript by calling the automated IRS transcript service at 800-908-9946.
If you need a photocopy instead
A transcript and a photocopy of your return are different requests. For a photocopy, the IRS directs you to submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Transcripts partially hide identifying information, but financial figures remain visible for uses such as tax preparation or income verification.
