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IRS Transcripts

What are the types of IRS transcripts? How many years can I see?

 The IRS maintains all tax records in the form of transcripts. They do not maintain full tax returns. There are 4 types of transcripts: 

  • Tax Return Transcript - Shows most line items from a Form 1040 tax return and any forms and schedules. It is created after a tax return has been filed. The IRS maintains tax return transcripts for the past 4 years.
  • Account Transcript - Provides a summary of basic transactional data with the IRS, including filing status, extensions filed, total income, adjusted gross income, taxable income, net taxable income, payments made, refunds issued, balance due for this period, and changes made after an original return was filed. For an individual, they also show tax per return and self-employment taxable income. For a business, they also show tax per return, net receipts, and total deductions. The IRS maintains account transcripts for up to 25 years.
  • Record of Account Transcript - Combines the tax return and account transcripts into one complete transcript. It is only created if a tax return transcript exists. The IRS maintains record of account transcripts for the past 4 years.
  • Wage & Income Transcript - Shows data from information returns and includes income from Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, and 5498. It also shows contributions, RMD, and fair market values of IRA accounts. The transcript is limited to approximately 85 income documents. The transcript will generally populate from May through late June for the prior tax year. The IRS maintains wage and income transcripts for up to 10 years.
 

Married couples who file jointly have identical Account Transcripts, Tax Return Transcripts, and Record of Account Transcripts. Wage & Income Transcripts are unique to each individual.