The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency responsible for processing U.S Tax Returns. Once the Tax Return is filed with the IRS they are responsible for furnishing customers with a Tax Return Transcript. If for any reason you cannot use IRS Direct Data Exchange, you can request a tax return transcript using Get Transcript at
irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript.
Please ensure you request the correct document. The Tax Return Transcript should look like the example below.
The table below provides the IRS processing times from the time a Tax Return is submitted to the time customers can request a Tax Return transcript or have DDX as an available option. Based on the situation of the tax return filer and whether the tax return is filed electronically or manually the processing times will vary.
| Tax Return Filer | Tax Return Filed Electronically | Tax Return Filed Manually |
|---|
Has no amount owed to the IRS or has an expected refund at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS when the tax return is received by the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 6 - 8 weeks after the tax return has been accepted by the IRS. |
Has an amount owed to the IRS and makes a full payment on that amount at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |
| Has an amount owed and subsequent to submitting their tax return to the IRS, pays the full amount due | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |
| At the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS, has an amount owed and has not paid in full. | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. However, IRS will not process the return until May. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been processed in May. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |
Keep in mind that an amended return or identity theft will delay access to tax information. When an amended return is involved, it generally takes an additional 12 weeks for the tax information to be available. If identity theft occurs, access to this information generally occurs 8-11 weeks after the IRS has received the tax return information; however, resolution of IRS-related identity theft can take up to 180 days.
The IRS continues to encourage that tax transcripts be requested via the
IRS website or by mail. As a reminder, if the taxpayer uses the Form 4506-T to send the tax transcript to a third party, such as a school, the delivery address needs to be very specific.
