Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return

Key takeaways

• Form 4506 requests exact copies of previously filed tax returns and related tax information from the IRS.
• Copies are available for many return types (individual, corporate, partnership, estate/trust).
• There is a $43 fee per tax period requested.
• Exact-copy requests take up to about 75 calendar days; transcripts are a free, faster alternative for many needs.

What Form 4506 is and when to use it

Form 4506 is used to obtain an exact, full copy of a previously filed tax return (including attachments). Use it when you need the complete filed return—for example, to amend a return, file a claim for refund or abatement, apply for certain benefits, verify income for a loan, or respond to an audit.

If you do not need attachments or an exact copy, a transcript (a shorter IRS printout of return information) often suffices and is available free via Forms 4506-T or 4506-T-EZ or the IRS online Get Transcript tool.

Who can file

Any taxpayer who is the filer of the return may file Form 4506. You can also authorize the IRS to send the copy directly to a third party (for example, a mortgage lender) by completing and signing the form.

What returns you can request

Form 4506 covers a range of returns, including:
* Individual (Form 1040 series)
Corporate (Form 1120 series)
Partnership (Form 1065)
* Estate or trust (Form 1041)

Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current year and the previous six years.

Cost and processing time

• Fee: $43 per tax period requested.
• Processing time: up to about 75 calendar days to receive an exact copy after the IRS receives a properly completed Form 4506.

Transcripts (Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ)

If you only need return information (not attachments), use Form 4506-T or 4506-T-EZ for a free transcript. Transcripts:
* Are a computer printout showing filing dates, filing status, dependents, adjusted gross income, tax liability, and most line items as originally filed (do not include attachments or later changes).
Are accepted by many third parties (mortgage lenders, student loan agencies, USCIS) as substitutes for full copies.
Can be obtained immediately if you register and use the IRS Get Transcript online tool. By mail, transcripts typically arrive in about 5–10 calendar days.
* Are generally available for the current and prior three tax years for supported return types.

The IRS has updated transcript formats to reduce identity-theft risk (for example, masking most digits of Social Security numbers). Unmasked versions can be mailed to the taxpayer’s address of record.

Special considerations

• Joint returns: When paper-filing any Form 4506 series, either spouse may request a copy and only one signature is required. Using Get Transcript online, either spouse can request a transcript. By mail or phone, only the primary taxpayer on file can make the request.
• Third-party requests: You can authorize delivery of a copy to a third party (such as a lender) by completing the recipient information on Form 4506 and signing the form.

Why lenders use Form 4506-T

Mortgage lenders commonly ask borrowers to complete Form 4506-T so the lender can obtain an IRS transcript directly to verify income and other tax information provided during the loan application process.

How to get the forms

All versions of Form 4506, Form 4506-T, and Form 4506-T-EZ are available for download from the IRS website. Complete the appropriate form, follow the filing instructions on the form (including mailing address), and submit any required fee when requesting exact copies.

Next steps

1. Determine whether you need a full copy (Form 4506) or a transcript (Form 4506-T or 4506-T-EZ).
2. Download and complete the correct form from the IRS website.
3. Mail the form to the address shown on the form (and include the fee if requesting full copies).
4. If urgent, register for the IRS Get Transcript service to obtain transcripts immediately online.