The transcript category and tax period are part of the product you are ordering. Keep them attached to the price and the purpose.
Four transcript categories to distinguish
The IRS describes several transcript categories. The comparison below is a starting point for discussing the evidence required in your file; availability and the applicable ordering route should be confirmed.
| Record | What it contains | Review question |
|---|---|---|
| Tax return | Information from an originally filed return, including most line items and related schedules; later adjustments are not reflected. | Review the originally reported return information. |
| Tax account | Account-level information, including certain changes after the original filing. | Understand account activity or adjustments relevant to the file. |
| Record of account | A combined view of return and account information. | Review both original return information and account context. |
| Wage and income | Information-return data received by the IRS, such as W-2 and 1099 records. | Review reported wage or other information-return evidence. |
Start with the lending question
Ask what the reviewer needs to establish. Is the question about originally reported income, information-return evidence, a later account change, or more than one of those? Your institution’s policy determines which evidence is required.
For a borrower with employment and self-employment income, write down both review needs before selecting a package. A bundle name by itself does not establish every tax form, record category, or period included.
- The question the reviewer needs answered
- The taxpayer and record category
- The relevant tax years or periods
- Any additional evidence the lending policy requires
Read the result in context
The IRS notes that wage and income transcripts reflect information returns it has received and may not include every document issued to a taxpayer. A transcript is also different from a photocopy of the filed return.
Keep the returned record’s period and type visible in your review. If information is unavailable or appears inconsistent with the application, document the question and obtain the additional evidence your policy requires before reaching a conclusion.
Compare prices at the same scope
For a meaningful comparison, use the same borrower scope, transcript categories, years, and required deliverables. Then apply your institution’s expected order volume.
Fintegral publishes starting options of $4.99 for a single transcript, $7.99 for two tax years, and $14.99 for a W-2 plus self-employment bundle covering two years on the same borrower. The pricing page lets you compare annual order charges using your own figures.
Official sources & keeping this guide current
Sources checked October 16, 2026. IRS processes and instructions can change; use the linked official guidance for a current request. This guide supports workflow planning. Your institution determines its lending requirements.