Start with your IRS online account, tax transcripts and notices. They can show which years were filed, what the IRS says you owe and what income was reported. A transcript is a summary. It is not a copy of your return or your full case file.
Start with the question you need answered
Do you need to check a bill, find a missing year or see what income was reported? Pick the record that answers that question. The IRS offers five types of transcripts at no charge. IRS: Transcript types
Book a free call. We read the notices you have and list the tax years to check first. The call does not commit you to hire us.
Check your online account
Your IRS Individual Online Account shows balances by tax year, transcripts and up to five years of payment history. It also shows some income documents and digital notices. You can check the status of some audits done by mail. You must verify your identity to gain access. IRS: Online account
For our clients, we request IRS transcripts with the proper authority. We handle the request and read the results.
What did my return say?
A tax return transcript shows most lines from your original Form 1040-series return, with forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after filing. You can get the current and three prior tax years. IRS: Transcript types
Book a free call if a bill does not match what you filed. We match the bill to the tax year and the return you filed.
What changed after I filed?
A tax account transcript shows basic facts, payment types and changes made after filing. Online, you can generally get the current and nine prior tax years. By mail or phone, it is the current and three prior years. Older years can be requested. Some account conditions can limit access. IRS: Transcript types
For our clients, we pull the account records and match entries to the tax years at issue. They provide the notices; we work through the IRS record.
Can I get the return and account together?
A record of account transcript combines the return and account transcripts. It is available for the current and three prior tax years. This can help you see the return and later changes together. IRS: Transcript types
Book a free call about a change you cannot explain. We compare the original return figures with later account entries.
What income was reported to the IRS?
A wage and income transcript shows forms the IRS received, such as W-2s, 1098s, 1099s and 5498s. It covers the current and nine prior tax years. It may not show every form issued to you. It is the IRS’s record, not proof of all the income you received. IRS: Transcript types
It has a limit of roughly 85 income documents. Above that limit, it will not generate through the online account. Data for the current processing year is generally available in the first week of February. A “No record of return filed” message can mean the current data has not yet appeared. IRS: Transcript FAQs
For our clients, we obtain wage and income records for an unfiled year. They supply the records they still have; we compare them with what the IRS received.
Does the IRS have a return for that year?
A verification of non-filing letter says the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series return as of the request date. It is available after June 15 for the current tax year, or at any time for the prior three. IRS: Transcript types
Book a free call if a year seems to be missing. We compare the non-filing letter with any proof of filing you still have.
Do I need a copy instead?
A transcript is not a photocopy of your return. A copy is a separate request with its own fee and processing time. IRS: Transcript types
Transcripts hide parts of personal details, but financial figures stay visible. They can still be used for tax preparation, income checks and representation. IRS: About tax transcripts
For our clients, we handle a request for a copy of the filed return when a transcript will not answer the question.
Keep the notices too
Look for the CP or LTR number on a notice. The IRS lets you look it up by number or topic. Keep notices in date order and check any response date. If you disagree, act by the due date to protect your appeal rights. IRS: Notices and letters
The IRS does not start contact by email, text or social media to ask for personal or financial details. IRS: Scam warning If a letter looks suspect, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to check it. IRS: Notices and letters
Book a free call to go through a notice you do not understand. We sort the IRS letters into a timeline and flag the response dates.
What if I need the full case file?
A transcript is not the file an IRS worker used. If your case is open and you work with an IRS employee, ask that person for the records. The IRS says this is free and usually faster than a formal request. IRS: FOIA guidelines
A Freedom of Information Act request, or FOIA request, is another route. It must clearly describe the records, include a handwritten signature and proof of identity, and commit to paying fees that apply. “All my tax records” is too broad. Routine returns and transcripts have their own routes. IRS: FOIA guidelines
For our clients, we prepare and file a FOIA request when it is needed for the IRS file. We define the records sought rather than make a vague request.
How long does a FOIA decision take?
The IRS normally has 20 days to decide whether to comply, excluding weekends and legal public holidays. Unusual circumstances can add up to 10 days. This is a decision deadline, not a promise to deliver the records by then. FOIA covers existing records. It does not require the IRS to create records or research or analyze data for you. IRS: FOIA guidelines
Book a free call if transcripts leave a gap. We read what is missing and list the specific case records a request would need. If that route cannot answer the question, we say so before preparing the request.
Can someone get the records for me?
Form 8821 lets a named person or firm inspect or receive tax information for the tax types and periods you list. It does not grant the same role as a power of attorney. IRS: Form 8821
Form 2848 lets someone eligible to practice before the IRS represent you. They can also receive and inspect your tax information. IRS: Form 2848 Your online account lets you approve and sign a request sent by your tax professional. IRS: Online account
Entries on Form 2848 can affect access to electronic transcripts. Check the form rather than assume every power of attorney gives that access. IRS: Form 2848 tips
For our clients, we prepare the authority forms needed for the IRS records work. We then use that authority to request and read the file.
For next steps, see disputing an IRS tax bill and lien and levy appeals. You can also read about IRS Help’s services or book a free 30-minute consultation. No pressure, no judgment.
General information about federal IRS records and procedures. State tax agencies keep their own records. The right next step depends on the facts.
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