Tax transcripts

[warpedbored]

The check list for the appointment letter for the citizenship letter specifically says to call the IRS and request an IRS 1722 letter to bring to the interview. Being the dutiful automaton that I am I called the IRS this morning. After an hour on hold and being passed around to 3 different people I was told the IRS no longer issues this letter and that regular tax transcripts will suffice. Tomorrow I will call the USCIS and ask them.

[Randy W]

The check list for the appointment letter for the citizenship letter specifically says to call the IRS and request an IRS 1722 letter to bring to the interview. Being the dutiful automaton that I am I called the IRS this morning. After an hour on hold and being passed around to 3 different people I was told the IRS no longer issues this letter and that regular tax transcripts will suffice. Tomorrow I will call the USCIS and ask them.

 

 

. . . uh . . . the 1722 IS the transcript, is it not?

[Randy W]

Looks like you were told correctly - http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html

[warpedbored]

What I've been able to dig up so far Randy suggests that the difference between regular transcripts and the 1722 letter is that the 1722 letter is certified. Regular transcripts are too easily tampered with. Certified transcripts take 60 days to obtain and they are expensive. We only have 42 days. Call me a cynic but I don't plan on taking the IRS's word for it. More research is needed.

[warpedbored]

I called the USCIS today. Gigantic waste of time. They couldn't tell me if regular tax transcripts would suffice or not. They just told me to do my best to bring what I could get.

[The Jeff]

I don't understand. So for the citizenship interview, they need your tax transcripts? I thought that income was not a factor in determining the application for citizenship. Why do they need this?

[warpedbored]

They want to make sure she is a law abiding tax payer.

[The Jeff]

So how do you get these special tax transcripts? We've ordered the standard tax transcripts for college financial aid before, but this seems very different.

[warpedbored]

That's the snag, the IRS doesn't issue this letter anymore. We are going to take regular tax transcripts that I asked for when I called the IRS.

[JingJoseph]

That's the snag, the IRS doesn't issue this letter anymore. We are going to take regular tax transcripts that I asked for when I called the IRS.

Warp not sure if this helps but this is what IRS told

me last week at H&R block about transcripts

He did say all we needed for uscis was a transcript.

Certified (below) was all he could find on that.

 

 

 

 

1.6 IRS Procedures: Copies & Transcripts

 

How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?

 

If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed return and all attachments (including Form W-2 (PDF)), you must complete Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return and mail it to the IRS address in the instructions along with a $39 fee for each tax year requested. Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current and past 6 years.

 

In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and transcripts may be ordered. The tax return transcript shows most line items contained on the return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. In most cases, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements for lending institutions for mortgage verification purposes.

 

The transcript can be ordered by completing a Form 4506-T (PDF) or calling (800) 829-1040 and following the prompts in the recorded message. There is no charge for the transcript and you should receive it in 10 business days from the time we receive your request. Tax return transcripts are generally available for the current and past three years. If you need a statement of your tax account which shows changes that you or the IRS made after the original return was filed, you must request a "Tax Account Transcript". This transcript shows basic data including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income, taxable income, payments and adjustments made on your account. Tax return and account transcripts are generally available for the current and past 3 years.

 

Form 4506-T (PDF) can also be used to get proof from the IRS that you did not file a tax return for a particular tax year.

 

Forms can be downloaded at irs.gov/forms/pubs or ordered by calling (800) 829-3676.

 

 

 

Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?

 

The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2 (PDF)) from IRS, or order Form W-2 (PDF) information at no charge from the IRS. The IRS can provide Form W-2 (PDF) information for up to 10 years. Information for the current year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, Form W-2 (PDF) information for 2005, filed in 2006, will not be available from IRS until 2007.

 

To receive a copy of your return or transcript, complete and mail Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return or Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of Tax Return. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response.

 

 

 

More Frequently Asked Tax QuestionsAccessibility | FirstGov.gov | Freedom of Information Act | Important Links | IRS Privacy Policy | U.S. Treasury

 

 

Certified Transcripts (CERTS)

 

Privacy Impact Assessment - Certified Transcripts (CERTS)

 

CERTS System Overview

 

The Certified Transcript Program (CERTS) produces a common language transcript that gives the history assessments and payments on taxpayers' accounts. These transcripts are used in civil and criminal court cases. Form 4340, Certificate of Assessments, Payments, and Other Specified Matters, is used by the government in litigation to certify extracts from a taxpayer's account. Form 4340 is a true copy certification when the certification at the end of the form contains an authorized signature. When further certified by a Form 2866, Certificate of Official Record, signed under seal, Form 4340 self-authenticates the entries contained therein when submitted in court by the government.

Edited October 7, 2008 by JingJoseph (see edit history)