Is there any way to get a tax transcript online without needing credit cards or loans?

The IRS does have strict verification requirements to protect taxpayer information, but there are alternatives for your uncle's situation. First option: He can request tax transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. While not immediate, it typically takes 5-10 business days, not necessarily "weeks." Second option: If your uncle has a mobile phone in his name, he might be able to verify his identity through ID.me, the IRS's identity verification service. This process uses facial recognition and document verification rather than financial accounts. Third option: He can make an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center where they can provide transcripts in person. He'll need to bring government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Fourth option: If this is for a specific purpose like mortgage verification, sometimes third parties (like lenders) can request the transcript directly with your uncle's authorization using Form 4506-T.

After struggling with the EXACT same issue last year (my mom has zero credit accounts), I discovered taxr.ai which was seriously a game-changer. Check it out at https://taxr.ai - they have a way to get your transcript without going through the typical IRS verification hoops. Basically, you provide some basic info and they handle the verification process differently than the IRS website. What I loved is that they could verify my mom's identity using alternative methods that didn't require credit accounts. Saved us from waiting for mail delivery which was going to take forever since she had recently moved.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after my skeptical questions above and it actually worked perfectly! I was really surprised how smooth the process was. Their verification asked me detailed questions about my past addresses and employment that only I would know (much better security than just having a credit card number honestly). Had my full transcript in my email by the next day. For anyone else stuck in this situation without credit accounts, this is definitely worth checking out. Saved me from having to take time off work to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Another option worth mentioning is using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get direct phone support from the IRS. I was in the same boat last tax season and couldn't verify online. Tried calling the IRS directly but kept getting the "call volumes too high" message for DAYS. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes who was able to help me verify my identity over the phone and explain my options. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent told me that for people without credit accounts, they can actually set up a temporary verification code by mail that arrives faster than the full transcript (about 5 days), and then you can use that code to access your transcripts online going forward.

I need to eat my words from my skeptical comment above. After waiting on hold for 2+ hours myself and getting disconnected TWICE, I broke down and tried Claimyr. I was connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes. The agent was super helpful and told me I could verify my identity through their "secure access mail" option where they send a verification code to the address on my last tax return. Once I got that (took 6 days), I was able to create an online account without needing any credit accounts. So yeah, while I'm still annoyed this service has to exist in the first place (the IRS should fix their phone system!), it definitely worked and saved me hours of frustration.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if you file your taxes through a professional accountant or CPA, they can often request transcripts for you through their professional access channels! I don't have any credit accounts either (debt-free life!) and my accountant gets my transcripts whenever needed. Might be worth asking if your uncle has someone who prepares his taxes who could help?

Has anyone tried using the "Get Transcript by Mail" option on the IRS website? I know it's not immediate, but it doesn't require any credit verification. I used it last year and got my transcript in about 6 days which wasn't terrible.

Don't forget that public libraries often have staff who can help with navigating government websites and forms. My local library has a tax help desk and they helped my grandmother (who has no credit) get her transcript by guiding her through the ID.me process. Worth checking local resources!