A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Tax Transcripts from the IRS

If you are preparing for a bankruptcy case or working with your attorney, you may be asked to provide your last 3 years of tax records.

The IRS makes this information available online, and this guide will walk you through how to access and download it in a simple, step-by-step way.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before accessing your IRS account, make sure you have:

• A valid email address & Access to it

  • (if you don't have one check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Email Account)

• Your Social Security Number or ITIN

• A mobile phone in your name (for verification purposes)

• Drivers License or Passport (only if you don't have an ID.me account already)

• A smartphone or computer with a camera (only if you don't have an ID.me account already)

How to Create an IRS Online Account (ID.me)

Before you can access your tax transcripts online, you will need to create an IRS account through ID.me.

What You’ll Need

• A valid email address

• Your Social Security Number or ITIN

• A smartphone or computer with a camera

• A government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

Step 1: Go to the IRS Website

Open your web browser and go to: https://www.irs.gov/your-account

Once there, click on the “Sign In or Create Account” button in blue under the Individual (or Business) sections of the account options.

Step 2: Create Your ID.me Account

• Click “Create an Account”

• Enter your email and create a password

• Check your email and confirm your account

Step 3: Set Up Security (2FA)

You will be asked to set up multi-factor authentication.

• Choose to receive a code by text, phone call, or authentication app

• Enter the code to continue

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

This is the most important step.

You will be asked to:

• Upload a photo of your ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Take a selfie using your phone or computer camera

Follow the instructions carefully. This step may take a few minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Sign In

Once your identity is verified:

• Return to the IRS site

• Sign in using your new ID.me account

Accessing Your IRS Transcripts

Your tax transcripts are a key part of your bankruptcy case. They allow your attorney to verify your income, review your filing history, and ensure everything is accurate before your case is filed.

Providing the correct documents early can help:

• Avoid delays in your case

• Prevent requests for additional documents later

• Ensure your case is prepared correctly from the start

Taking a few extra minutes to download the correct transcripts can save you time and stress later.

Step 1: Go to the IRS Website

Open your web browser and go to:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Then click the “Sign in to your online account” button in blue.

Step 2: Sign In to Your IRS Account

You will be redirected to the IRS login system (ID.me).

• If you already have an account, click Sign In

• If not, click Create an Account

  • (and follow directions to create a ID.me account in the section above)

Follow the prompts to:

• Enter your email and password

• Enter your multi-factor authentication code (you’ll receive the code by text or email)

Step 3: Choose the Correct Transcript Type

You will see several options. For most legal purposes, select from the section Return Transcripts. This shows most line items from your tax return.

You will see a list of available years.

• Click on the last 3 years available (for example: 2025, 2024, 2023)

Each will open as a PDF.

Step 4: Save or Download Your Transcripts

This is the easiest way to send your information to your attorney.

Once each transcript opens:

• Click the “Download” icon (usually a downward arrow)

• Or click “Print” and choose Save as PDF

  
  

Save each file somewhere easy to find and then share the 3 files with your attorney.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many clients run into small issues when pulling their transcripts. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

• Selecting the wrong transcript type

  • Make sure you choose “Return Transcript” (this is the one your attorney needs most often)

• Only downloading one year

  • Be sure to download all 3 years requested

• Choosing “Account Transcript” by mistake

  • This does NOT show the full tax return details and may delay your case

• Not saving the files

  • Always download and save each PDF before closing the page

• Using someone else’s account

  • The account must match your name and Social Security Number

Can’t Verify Your Identity Online? (Mail Option)

If you are unable to pass the ID.me verification process, don’t worry — you can still request your transcripts by mail.

Option: Request by Mail

Go to: https://www.irs.gov/transcripts

Click on: “Get Transcript by Mail”

Then:

1. Enter your Social Security Number or ITIN

2. Enter your date of birth

3. Enter the address used on your last tax return

4. Select “Return Transcript”

The IRS will mail your transcript to you (usually within 5–10 days)

⚠️ Note: You may need to request each year separately depending on availability.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure you select Return Transcript, not Account Transcript

• Download all 3 years before logging out

• Keep copies saved for your records

Need Help?

If you have trouble accessing your transcripts:

• Visit https://www.irs.gov/transcripts

• Or request transcripts by mail through the IRS website

Final Thoughts

Pulling your tax transcripts may seem complicated, but it only takes a few minutes once your account is set up.

Providing these documents early helps your attorney move your case forward faster and avoid delays.

If you have questions, feel free to contact our office for assistance.