4506

Request for Copy of Tax Return

Agency
IRS
Revision
Rev. 4-2025
Fillable fields
43
Pages
2
Official source
IRS form page
Checked
October 21, 2026
Fill 4506 online
Page 1 of form 4506

Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return

Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, asks the IRS for a copy of a tax return as originally submitted, including attachments such as Forms W-2, schedules or amended returns. The IRS page says it is used to request a copy of your tax return, or to designate a third party to receive the tax return, such as a mortgage company on line 5.

The form says there is a $30 fee for each return requested, and that it may take up to 75 calendar days to process a request. It also says copies of Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ are generally available for 7 years from filing.

The IRS points people who do not need an actual copy to Get Transcript, which offers tax return, tax account, record of account and wage and income transcripts, and a verification of non-filing letter. The instructions are on page 2 of the PDF. You can fill out the PDF free in your browser on this page and download it without an account.

Top of page 1 of Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return, as printed by IRS

What's on Form 4506

Lines 1 and 2

The name shown on the return and the first SSN, ITIN or EIN, plus the spouse's name and second number for a joint return.

Lines 3 and 4

The current name and address, and the previous address shown on the last return filed if different.

Line 5

The third party's name, address, and telephone number, if the return is to be mailed to them.

Lines 6 and 7

The one return number requested, a box for certified copies for court or administrative proceedings, and the ending dates of the years or periods.

Lines 8 and 9

The fee: cost for each return, number of returns and total cost, and a box to send any refund to the third party on line 5.

Signature area

The attestation check box, signature, date, phone number, printed name, title for an entity, and the spouse's signature.

How to fill out Form 4506

  1. 1

    Line 1b

    Enter the SSN or ITIN of the person on line 1a, or the EIN of the business. The instructions say a Form 1040 with Schedule C uses the SSN.

    Line 1b on page 2 of Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return, as printed by IRS
  2. 2

    Lines 3 and 4

    Enter the current address, including a P.O. box or an inmate identification number. If lines 3 and 4 differ and the IRS has not been told, the instructions say to file Form 8822 or 8822-B with Form 4506.

  3. 3

    Line 6

    Enter only one return number, such as 1040, 1120 or 941. Another type of return needs another Form 4506. Check the box if certified copies are needed.

  4. 4

    Line 7

    Enter the end date of each tax year or period in mm/dd/yyyy format, for example 12/31/2018 for a calendar year 2018 Form 1040.

    Line 7 on page 2 of Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return, as printed by IRS
  5. 5

    Line 8

    Multiply the cost for each return by the number of returns. The form says full payment is included with the request or it will be rejected, by check or money order payable to United States Treasury.

  6. 6

    Sign and date

    Complete lines 5 to 7 first, check the attestation box, and sign as the name appeared on the original return. The IRS has to receive the form within 120 days of the signature date.

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Where to mail it, fees and timing

Where to mail

Attach payment and mail the form to the RAIVS Team address for the state you lived in, or the state the business was in, when the return was filed: Austin, TX 73301, Kansas City, MO 64999, or Ogden, UT 84409.

Two address charts

Page 2 has one chart for individual returns (Form 1040 series) and one for all other returns. For several years with different addresses, use the address of the most recent return.

Fee and refund

The form lists a $30 fee for each return requested. If the IRS cannot find the return, the form says it will refund the fee.

Processing time

The instructions say it may take up to 75 calendar days to process the request.

Unchecked attestation box

The instructions say the form will not be processed and will be returned if the box in the signature area is unchecked.

Faster options

The form points to Get Transcript at www.irs.gov or 1-800-908-9946 for faster service when a transcript is enough.

Who files Form 4506?

  • Individuals

    The instructions say copies of jointly filed returns may be furnished to either spouse and only one signature is required.

  • Corporations

    Generally an officer with legal authority to bind the corporation, a person designated by the board, or an officer or employee on written request of a principal officer.

  • Partnerships

    The instructions say any person who was a member of the partnership during any part of the tax period requested on line 7 can generally sign.

  • Estates, trusts and others

    See section 6103(e) if the taxpayer has died, is insolvent, is a dissolved corporation, or has a trustee, guardian, executor, receiver, or administrator acting for them.

  • Representatives

    A representative can sign only if this authority was specifically delegated on Form 2848, line 5a, with that Form 2848 attached.

  • Third parties as recipients

    A third party such as a mortgage company can receive the copy when it is named on line 5. It does not sign the form.

The form is signed by the taxpayer shown on line 1a or 2a, or by a person authorized to obtain the return.

Official sources and the blank

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Questions about Form 4506

How much does Form 4506 cost?

The form says there is a $30 fee for each return requested, paid by check or money order payable to United States Treasury.

How long does a copy take?

The instructions say it may take up to 75 calendar days to process the request.

Do I need a copy or a transcript?

The IRS page points to Get Transcript when you don't need an actual copy of your original return. Form 4506-T is the form for transcripts.

How far back can I request?

The form says copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ are generally available for 7 years from filing, and other returns may be available for a longer period.

Can my lender receive the copy?

Yes. Enter the third party's name, address and phone on line 5, and complete lines 5 through 7 before signing.

Do both spouses sign for a joint return?

The form says at least one spouse signs if the request applies to a joint return.

Why could a request be rejected?

The form says a request may be rejected if it is incomplete or illegible, if full payment is not included, or if the IRS does not receive it within 120 days of the signature date.