New IRS Online Tool Available for Ordering Tax Transcripts

By Catherine Gordon, Toolkit Staff Writer

It's tax season and you're likely in the process of preparing this year's tax returns. If you need information from a past year's return, or information explaining any adjustments made after the tax return was filed, the IRS has a new online tool you can use to simplify the ordering process.

Using the web tool, available on the IRS website, you can obtain transcripts for the past three years for free. A tax return transcript shows most line items from the tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. However, any changes made after the return was filed are not reflected on this type of transcript.

A tax account transcript is designed to show any adjustments made by the tax paying individual or entity, or by the IRS after the return was filed. This transcript also contains basic data, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.

If you prefer, transcripts may also be ordered by phone at 1-800-908-9946 or by mail using the appropriate version of Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The IRS cannot process your request online if you need transcripts mailed to an address other than the one they have on file for you. To send your transcript to a different address, you'll have to complete and mail the form or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

• Tip. Most needs for tax return information can be met with a transcript. However, if you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed tax return and all the attachments, you should complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. The downside is that you will also have to pay a fee for each tax year you request, with some exceptions if you were impacted by a federally declared disaster. For more information on requesting copies of your tax returns, visit the IRS website.

Posted February 2, 2011.