IRS Tax Transcript
Instructions
You need to request a copy of your 2020 IRS Tax Return Transcript in order to document your 2020 income. Please note that this is not a copy of your 2020 tax return (Form 1040), but an IRS-generated transcript of your tax return information.
You may request a copy of your tax transcript online through the IRS's Get Transcript tool. You have the option to receive a .pdf copy of your transcript online, or have the IRS mail you a copy.
Note: For security purposes, you need to complete several steps of authentication in order to request a .pdf copy of your tax transcript. Because of this, there are many issues that could prevent you from retrieving a digital copy of your tax transcript. For a list of reasons why you wouldn't be able to retrieve your transcript online, click here. If you are unable to retrieve your transcript online, you will need to request that a copy be mailed to you.
If you have just recently filed your 2020 tax return, you might not be able to get your tax transcript right away. The transcript generally becomes available 2-3 weeks after your return is processed by the IRS.
Exceptions
You may not be able to get a tax transcript if you:
- Are a victim of identity theft
- Have filed an amended tax return
- Are a resident of certain US territories and freely associated states.
If any of the above apply to you, click here for instructions on alternative documentation.