How to Pull Your IRS Transcript (Updated for 2025)

Overview

The IRS has modernized how individuals access tax records. You can now securely pull your Wage & Income, Account, and Tax Return Transcripts through your IRS Online Account — not the old “Get Transcript” tool.

If you’ve used “Get Transcript Online” in the past, it still functions, but all transcript access is moving to the IRS Online Account portal at irs.gov/account.

Step-by-Step: How to Access Your IRS Transcripts (2025 Process)

Step 1 – Go to the IRS Online Account

Visit www.irs.gov/account and click “Sign in to Your Online Account.”
If you don’t have one yet, select “Create Account.”

You’ll verify your identity using ID.me, which requires:

A valid driver’s license or passport
Access to a smartphone camera
Sometimes a short video selfie for identity confirmation

Once verified, you’ll be redirected to your secure IRS dashboard.

Step 2 – Open “Tax Records”

After logging in, select “Tax Records” in your account dashboard.
This is the new location for all your transcript access.

You’ll see:

Account Transcript – payments, penalties, and balance due
Wage & Income Transcript – W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other third-party data
Return Transcript – summary of your filed return
Record of Account Transcript – combines both return and account details

Step 3 – Download or Print

Click the transcript you need and select PDF or Print View.
Save or print it securely for your records — or share it with your tax professional (like BSH Accounting) for review.

Important: Each Spouse Needs Their Own IRS Account

If you filed a joint tax return, only your own income and tax data (under your SSN) will appear in your IRS Online Account.
Your spouse must create a separate IRS Online Account to view or download their own Wage & Income Transcript and related documents.

This means:

W-2s or 1099s issued to your spouse will not appear under your login.
Each spouse should log in individually to pull their own transcripts.
You may need to combine both sets for your accountant to get the full picture.

Example:
John and Sarah file jointly.
John logs into his IRS Online Account — he sees his W-2 and one 1099.
Sarah must log into her own account to access her W-2 and separate 1099-INT.
Neither can see the other’s forms under one login.

Alternative Options

If you cannot verify your identity online:

Mail Option: Request transcripts by filing Form 4506-T.
Phone Option: Call the IRS Transcript Line at 800-908-9946.
Professional Authorization: Your tax professional (like BSH Accounting) can request transcripts on your behalf using Form 2848 (POA) or 8821 (Tax Information Authorization).

Transcript Reference Guide

Transcript Type	What It Shows	When to Use It
Account Transcript	Payments, credits, penalties, and balance due	Check your tax balance or refund status
Wage & Income Transcript	W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and more	Verify income before filing or if you lost forms
Return Transcript	Basic summary of filed 1040	Commonly used for lenders or FAFSA
Record of Account	Combination of account + return data	For audit or IRS correspondence issues

Pro Tip for Business Owners

Remember — your personal IRS account only shows transcripts tied to your SSN.
To access records related to your business EIN, you’ll need to go through EFTPS for payments or have your accountant request business transcripts via IRS e-Services.

Summary

The IRS Online Account is now the easiest and most secure way to get your transcripts — including Wage & Income data — anytime you need it.
Just remember:

Each spouse needs their own login for full access.
Keep your PDF downloads secure and share only with authorized professionals.
If you can’t verify online, use Form 4506-T or your tax preparer can request transcripts for you.

Step 6: Send the Transcript to Us

Once you have downloaded your transcript, the final step is to upload it into your Intuit Link.