Submit (IRS) Form 4506-T for Certifed Tax Return Transcripts or Download Tax Return Transcript Copies from the IRS website?

[Rick&Maeve 8]

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When applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, there is a requirement that you show good moral character for the period relevant to your application: five years for most applicants and three years for those applying based on marriage to U.S. citizens. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires that applicants bring “certified tax returns” to their naturalization interview. Failure to bring certified tax transcripts can result in a denial of the naturalization case due to failure to show that the applicant possesses the good moral character required to become a citizen.

New Requirement For Tax Transcripts When Applying For Immigration Benefits

This says Certified Tax Return Transcripts https://www.uscis.gov/files/form/G-1151.pdf

 

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Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). Certified tax transcripts may be ordered by using Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4506-T available at www.irs.govor calling 1-800-829-1040.

 

Do you have to pay $50 per certified tax transcript or can you submit the free tax transcripts available on the IRS website for the N400 interview?

[Rick&Maeve 8]

This thread says I don't need a certified tax return transcript https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/711145-n400-tax-returns-or-certified-tax-returns/?tab=comments#comment-9768930

 

The USCIS Document Checklist states

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4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
a. Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children; or
b. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past 3 years; or
c. An IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.

Which makes me feel like the extra $150 for certified tax return transcripts is not required and I can use the return transcripts downloaded from the IRS website? Which one is accurate?

Edited December 30, 2019 by Rick&Maeve

[Thegirl 225]

You only need to download the free one from the IRS website. I've never paid for transcripts at any point during this process.