There are five types of IRS transcripts, and each answers a different question about your account. Here is what each one shows, every way to get yours, and an honest look at what reading them actually takes.

There are four ways to find out what you owe the IRS, an online account, a phone call, your notices, or a full transcript pull by a licensed representative, and they don't show you the same thing. This guide covers what each one reveals and hides, why your balance is bigger or smaller than you fear, and how to turn a scary total into an actual plan instead of a payoff quote.