IRS.gov Transcript Error: Can't Access or Download Transcripts Online - Help?

This is a common issue right now due to high traffic volume on IRS.gov. Best workarounds: 1) Try accessing the site during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) 2) Use the IRS2Go mobile app instead 3) Request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T if you need them urgently. The online system usually works better after 10pm EST.

Instead of playing detective with broken IRS systems, I've been using taxr.ai to analyze my transcripts. It's only $1 and gives you a complete breakdown of whats going on. Check it out here: https://taxr.ai

same here bestie 🤡 irs website is trash rn

Pro tip: If ur using Chrome, try Firefox. Worked for me after switching browsers

its not just you, systems been down all week according to my tax guy

Have you tried calling? LOL jk we all know thats impossible 💀

I had the same issue last week! What finally worked for me was using an incognito/private browsing window and making sure to disable any ad blockers or browser extensions. Also try logging out completely and logging back in with a fresh session. The IRS system seems really sensitive to cached data right now. Hope this helps!

Had this exact same problem last month! What worked for me was switching to a different device entirely - tried my phone instead of laptop and it went through immediately. Also heard from someone at my local VITA site that the IRS is doing system maintenance between 12am-6am EST most nights this month, so that might explain why even off-peak hours aren't working. If you're really stuck, you can also try the automated phone line at 1-800-908-9946 for transcripts, though you'll need to verify your identity.

I've been dealing with this same issue! What finally worked for me was clearing ALL browser data (not just cache) and then waiting about 30 minutes before trying again. Also make sure you're not using any VPN or proxy services - the IRS system seems to block those automatically. If you're still having trouble, try accessing it from a public library computer or a friend's device to rule out any local network issues. The system really is overwhelmed right now but these steps helped me get through eventually.

I've been having the exact same problem! What finally worked for me was using the IRS mobile app instead of the website. Downloaded IRS2Go and was able to get my transcripts right away. The app seems way more stable than their website right now. Also try logging in during really early morning hours like 5-6am - that's when I had the most success. The system is definitely overloaded but don't give up!

I work in tax prep and we've been seeing this issue constantly with clients this week. The IRS system is definitely overloaded right now. A few things that have worked for our clients: 1) Try using a different internet connection entirely (mobile hotspot instead of wifi), 2) Make sure you're using the most up-to-date browser version, and 3) If you have multiple IRS online accounts, try logging into a different one if available. Also, Form 4506-T by mail is honestly your most reliable option right now - takes 5-10 business days but it actually works. The online system should hopefully stabilize in the next week or two as we get past peak filing season traffic.

I've been dealing with this exact same issue for the past week! What finally worked for me was a combination of several things: 1) Using a completely different network (switched from home WiFi to mobile hotspot), 2) Trying the IRS2Go mobile app instead of the website, and 3) Accessing it super early in the morning around 6 AM EST. The website seems to be completely overwhelmed right now, but the mobile app has been much more stable. Also heard from my CPA that they're doing major system upgrades this month which is causing a lot of the instability. If you absolutely need the transcripts ASAP, the mail option with Form 4506-T really is your best bet even though it takes longer. Hang in there - we're all struggling with this mess right now!

I've been fighting with this same issue all week! What finally got me through was using a completely fresh approach: 1) Created a brand new user profile in my browser (not just incognito), 2) Connected through my phone's hotspot instead of regular WiFi, and 3) Tried around 5:30 AM when traffic is lowest. The combination of clean browser profile + different network connection seemed to do the trick. Also make sure you're not running any security software that might be interfering - had to temporarily disable my antivirus to get it working. The IRS system is clearly struggling but these workarounds can help you push through!

I've been having this exact same problem! After reading through all these suggestions, I tried the IRS2Go mobile app approach and it worked perfectly. The website has been completely unusable for me too - just endless spinning and crashes. The mobile app loaded my transcripts in under 30 seconds. Also want to second what others said about trying different networks - switching from my home WiFi to mobile data made a huge difference. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops, but at least there are workarounds. Thanks everyone for sharing your solutions!

I've been struggling with this exact same issue! After trying everything suggested here, what finally worked for me was a combination approach: downloaded the IRS2Go app, switched to my mobile hotspot instead of home WiFi, and tried accessing it around 6 AM EST. The mobile app was definitely way more stable than the website. Also cleared ALL my browser data (not just cache) before trying the website again. It's ridiculous that we have to do all this just to get our own tax documents, but these workarounds really do help. Don't give up - one of these methods will eventually work!