UPDATE: On May 26, 2015 the IRS issued a statement letting the general public know they could no longer receive their tax transcripts through an online request. Instead, they had to request the transcripts and receive them in the mail. The IRS did not specify if this was a permanent change or if the access to online requests for transcripts would be returning in the near future.

One of the most important documents we need in order to file your bankruptcy are copies of your tax returns for the last 4 years. We must have both federal and state. If you cannot find your tax returns, check with your tax preparer or ask the IRS or State for a copy of your returns. You may order a tax transcript online from the IRS website. Transcripts are free and you can get them for the current year and the past three years. You can download and print your transcript immediately or request the transcript be mailed to your address on record.

In order to get a transcript online you must first verify your identity online by registering as a guest or creating a User ID/password. As part of the registration process, you will be asked for an e-mail address they will send you a confirmation code. You’ll use the code to continue with the registration process. Don’t close the window or navigate away from the IRS page to check your e-mail; the confirmation code will be sent to your e-mail address within 10 minutes of requesting it.

When requesting the transcript online, you will need to provide your name, social security number, date of birth, filing status and the street address you provided on the last tax return you filed. You will also need to answer a few identity verification questions that only you can answer, such as your previous address, mortgage information, etc. So make sure you have all the information gathered before requesting the transcript online. If you filed your tax return electronically, it takes about 3 weeks before the tax transcript will be available. If you mailed in a paper copy of your tax return, it takes about 6 weeks. If you did not pay all the taxes you owe, your return and your transcript may not be available until mid-May, or a week after you pay the full amount owed.