How to Check If Your Tax Returns Were Actually Submitted to the IRS

Why verification matters

Many taxpayers assume that returns were filed because they hired a professional, paid fees, or received documents from a preparer. But completion of a return is not the same as filing it with the IRS.

The IRS determines filing status based on what exists in IRS records—not based on what a professional claims or what you believe occurred. If the IRS has no record of a return, the return was not filed regardless of what you were told.

Verification through IRS records is the only reliable way to confirm filing status. This matters because:

• The IRS sends notices and initiates enforcement based on what its records show
• Unfiled returns remain your legal obligation even if you hired someone to file them
• IRS penalties and interest accrue on unfiled returns regardless of professional claims
• Statute of limitations does not begin until a return is filed with the IRS
• You cannot resolve compliance issues without knowing what the IRS actually has on file

How to obtain IRS Account Transcripts

IRS Account Transcripts are free and can be obtained through multiple methods:

Method 1: IRS online account (fastest)

1. Go to irs.gov/account
2. Create an IRS online account or log in if you already have one
3. Navigate to "Tax Records" or "Get Transcript"
4. Select "Account Transcript" for each year you want to verify
5. View or download the transcript immediately

This method provides instant access to your transcripts. You can view multiple years and download PDFs for your records.

Method 2: Request by mail (Form 4506-T)

1. Download IRS Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return)
2. Complete the form with your personal information and the years you need
3. Check the box for "Account Transcript" (line 6b)
4. Sign and date the form
5. Mail the form to the IRS address listed on the form for your state

The IRS typically processes Form 4506-T requests within 10 business days and mails transcripts to the address on the form.

Method 3: Request by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and request Account Transcripts for specific years. The IRS will verify your identity and mail transcripts to your address of record. Processing time is typically 5-10 business days.

Method 4: Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

Schedule an appointment at a local IRS office. Bring photo identification and proof of Social Security number. The IRS can print transcripts during your visit.

What IRS Account Transcripts show

The IRS Account Transcript is a line-by-line record of activity on your tax account for a specific year. It shows:

• Return filed date: The date the IRS received and processed your return
• Return due date: The original deadline for filing (usually April 15)
• Processing code 150: Indicates a tax return was filed and assessed
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Confirms the return content the IRS has on file
• Payments: Shows payments made toward tax obligations
• Credits and adjustments: Shows refunds, credits, or account adjustments
• Balance owed: Current amount the IRS shows you owe for that year
• Penalties and interest: Shows accrued penalties and interest charges

If the transcript shows no return filed or no Code 150 entry, the IRS has no record of a return for that year. This means the return was not submitted, regardless of what you were told.

How to interpret transcript filing status

IRS transcripts use specific codes and formats to indicate filing status. Here's how to read them:

Return was filed and processed

If the transcript shows:

• A return filing date (usually in the format MM-DD-YYYY)
• Code 150 (Tax Return Filed) with a date
• An AGI amount listed

This confirms the IRS received and processed a return for that year. The filing date shows when the IRS processed the return.

No return filed

If the transcript shows:

• No Code 150 entry
• No return filing date listed
• "No record of return filed" message
• Blank or minimal entries

This confirms the IRS has no return on file for that year. The return was not submitted to the IRS.

Return was filed but may have issues

If the transcript shows:

• Code 150 (return filed) but also Code 420, 421, or 424 (examination or audit)
• Code 150 but large balance owed despite expecting a refund
• Code 150 with subsequent adjustments or corrections

This indicates a return was filed but the IRS has questions, made adjustments, or is reviewing the return.

Substitute for Return (SFR) filed by IRS

If the transcript shows:

• Code 150 with "Substitute for Return" notation
• Filing date matches IRS processing date (not April 15 or typical filing deadline)

This means the IRS filed a return on your behalf because you did not file one. SFRs typically result in higher tax owed because they do not include deductions or credits. You can still file an original return to replace the SFR.

Using IRS online account to check filing status

The IRS online account at irs.gov/account provides the same information as an Account Transcript but in a more user-friendly format.

What you can see in your IRS online account:

• Tax records: Shows which years have returns on file
• Amount owed: Current balance for each year
• Payment history: Shows payments the IRS received
• Payment plan status: Shows if you have an active Installment Agreement
• Recent notices: Displays recent IRS correspondence

If a year does not appear in your tax records or shows "No return filed," the IRS has no return on file for that year.

Creating an IRS online account

To create an IRS online account, you need:

• Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Filing status and address from your most recent tax return
• Access to your email account
• A mobile phone number in your name
• Photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

The IRS uses ID.me for identity verification. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and provides immediate access to your account once verified.

What to do if returns do not appear on transcripts

If your transcript shows no return filed for years you believed were filed, take the following steps:

1. Confirm the transcript is for the correct taxpayer and year

Verify that the transcript shows your correct name, Social Security number, and the tax year you're checking. Transcripts are specific to each tax year and taxpayer.

2. Check how long ago the return was supposedly filed

Electronically filed returns appear on transcripts within 2-3 weeks. Paper returns can take 6-8 weeks or longer. If the return was filed recently, it may not yet appear.

3. Determine if the return was rejected

Check your email or postal mail for IRS rejection notices. If an e-filed return was rejected and not corrected, it is not considered filed. Common rejection reasons include incorrect prior-year AGI, duplicate Social Security numbers, or missing forms.

4. Request documentation from the preparer

Ask the tax professional who claimed to file the returns for:

• IRS e-file acknowledgment letters confirming acceptance
• Certified mail receipts if returns were paper-filed
• IRS confirmation of filing or processing

If the preparer cannot provide IRS-issued documentation, the returns likely were not filed.

5. File the missing returns

If transcripts confirm that returns were not filed, you must file them to satisfy IRS requirements. You remain responsible for filing even if a professional failed to do so. File the returns as soon as possible to stop penalties and interest from accruing.

6. Document the discrepancy

Keep records showing:

• IRS transcripts showing no return filed
• Contracts or agreements with the professional
• Payments made to the professional
• Communications where the professional claimed returns were filed

This documentation may be needed if you pursue recourse against the professional or need to demonstrate to the IRS that you attempted to comply.