How to Request a Colorado Tax Transcript or Old Return

You may need to provide proof of your tax history at different times. Mortgage lenders often ask for a Colorado tax transcript to verify income before approving a loan. Colleges typically request an IRS transcript or a prior-year tax return when students apply for financial aid. Immigration offices, state agencies, and even small business lenders rely on these documents to confirm filing status and reported income. Having the right records ready can save time and prevent unnecessary delays.

A transcript is not the same as a copy of your return. Instead of showing every page, it summarizes the essential tax account information in a format that is easier for agencies to read and validate. Unlike paper returns, which may require a fee and take weeks to process, transcripts are generally free and available much faster.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Colorado Department of Revenue allow taxpayers to request transcripts online, by mail, or with a paper form. Once you access and download the documents, you can print them or send them directly to the requesting party.

What Is a Tax Transcript?

A tax transcript is an official summary of your tax return or account, created by the IRS or the Colorado Department of Revenue. It provides the key information that third parties need to validate your income or filing record without requiring your entire return.

Types of Transcripts

• Tax Return Transcript: This transcript displays most line items from your original return, making it the document most lenders and schools typically request.
  
  
• Tax Account Transcript: This transcript includes filing status, taxable income, and changes made after the original filing, which helps verify account activity.
  
  
• Record of Account Transcript: This transcript combines return and account data, providing a comprehensive view of your filing and any updates.
  
  
• Wage and Income Transcript: This transcript lists W-2s, 1099s, and other reported income, which helps reconstruct a prior-year tax return.
  
  
• Verification of Non-Filing Letter: This document confirms that the IRS has no record of a tax return filing for a given year, which is often required for student aid.

Why You Might Need One

Transcripts are widely used because they are directly obtained from tax agencies and are easier to process than full tax returns. They confirm details for lenders, schools, and government offices.

• Mortgage or loan applications: Lenders usually require a tax return transcript to verify income.
  
  
• Student financial aid (FAFSA): Schools use transcripts to confirm prior-year tax return information.
  
  
• Immigration applications: USCIS may request IRS transcripts to verify tax compliance.
  
  
• Small business loans: Lenders may request wage and income transcripts and tax return transcripts.
  
  
• Identity verification: Transcripts can replace missing returns or serve as proof of filing history.

How to Request a Colorado State Tax Transcript

Colorado taxpayers can request transcripts through the Revenue Online system or submit a paper form.

Method 1 – Transcript Online via Revenue Online (Fastest and Free)

• Visit the Colorado Revenue Online portal: The system is available through the Colorado Revenue Online website, allowing taxpayers to access their records.
  
  
• Log in or create an account: Enter your Social Security number, prior-year tax return details, and filing status.
  
  
• Select the tax year you need: Choose from available records within the portal.
  
  
• Download or print your transcript: Save a PDF or print a paper copy for your records.

Method 2 – Paper Form DR 5714 (For Older Returns)

• Download Form DR 5714: Access it from the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
  
  
• Complete the form: Provide your identifying information, mailing address, and requested tax years.
  
  
• Sign before a notary: Colorado requires notarization for all paper requests.
  
  
• Mail the form to the correct address: Use the address listed in the form instructions, since email and fax are not accepted.
  
  
• Allow six to eight weeks for processing: Once approved, the Department of Revenue will mail the documents to you.

How to Request IRS Transcripts (Federal)

The IRS offers several methods for accessing transcripts. Options include online accounts, mail, phone, and paper form requests.

Method 1 – Transcript Online with IRS Account (Fastest and Free)

• Visit the IRS Online Account portal: The service is available on the IRS website through any supported browser.
  
  
• Create or log in to your account: Enter your identifying details, such as your Social Security number and filing information.
  
  
• Validate your identity: The IRS may send a code by phone or email and ask credit-based questions.
  
  
• Select the transcript type: Choose from return, account, record of account, or wage and income transcripts.
  
  
• Download or print: Access your transcript immediately at no cost.

Method 2 – Request by Mail or Phone

• Get your transcript by mail: Enter your name, address, and Social Security number on the IRS website.
  
  
• Call the IRS phone line: Dial 1-800-908-9946 and follow the instructions.
  
  
• Wait for delivery: Transcripts are generally mailed to the address on file within five to ten business days.

Method 3 – Paper Form 4506-T

• Download Form 4506-T: Access it from the IRS website.
  
  
• Fill it out completely: Provide your details, the tax years requested, and the transcript type.
  
  
• Sign and date the form: Unsigned or incomplete forms will be rejected.
  
  
• Mail the form to the correct IRS address: Use the address in the instructions.
  
  
• Receive the transcript by mail: Processing typically takes up to ten business days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong form: Form 4506 requests complete copies, while Form 4506-T requests transcripts.
  
  
• Forgetting notarization in Colorado: Paper Form DR 5714 is rejected without a notary.
  
  
• Mailing to the wrong address: Always check the form instructions for the updated mailing address.
  
  
• Requesting the wrong transcript type: Confirm whether a return or account transcript is required.
  
  
• Not planning: Recently filed returns may not be available for weeks.

Troubleshooting Checklist

• No record found: The return may not be processed yet, or the information entered may not match IRS or Colorado records.
  
  
• Login issues: Verify that your address, contact information, and filing status match official records, or try a different browser.
  
  
• Delayed mail: If ten business days have passed, confirm your address and submit a new request.
  
  
• Form rejection: Missing signatures, incomplete fields, or a lack of notarization (in Colorado) can result in denials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Colorado tax transcript?

You can access, download, or print your transcript using Revenue Online. On average, paper requests with Form DR 5714 typically take six to eight weeks. The Colorado Department of Revenue only mails transcripts to the address listed on the request, so always confirm your correct contact details.

Are transcripts free, or do I need to pay for them?

Transcripts from the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue are free. However, a transcript is different from a copy of a full return. If you need a copy of a tax return, the IRS requires Form 4506 and charges a fee for this service. For most requests, transcripts are sufficient and preferred.

What is the difference between a tax return and a tax account transcript?

A tax return transcript shows the line items from your original filing exactly as you submitted them. On the other hand, a tax account transcript provides detailed account information, including filing status, taxable income, and adjustments made after the filing. Institutions often require the return transcript, so always confirm which type is needed.

How can I request transcripts for a prior-year tax return?

The IRS provides transcripts for the current year and several prior years, which you can request online, by mail, by phone, or with Form 4506-T. Colorado keeps records for nine years plus six months. If older records are unavailable, you may need to reconstruct them using wage and income data.

Can I request a transcript for someone else?

Yes, you can request a transcript for someone else, but you must have the correct authorization. The IRS requires Form 8821 or Form 2848 for federal returns to allow another person or party to request transcripts. For Colorado returns, you must submit Form DR 0145. These forms protect taxpayer information while still allowing authorized representatives to access it.