Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is indispensable for taxpayers needing exact copies of one or more previously filed tax returns and tax information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These copies can be crucial for tasks such as completing a current-year tax return, amending prior returns, filing claims for refunds or abatements, applying for government benefits including federal student aid, verifying income during loan applications, or defending against IRS audits.
While there is a fee for obtaining a full copy of a tax return, in many cases a free transcript—shorter versions of tax returns without attachments—may fulfill the same purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Form 4506 is used by taxpayers to request exact copies of previously filed tax returns and tax information.
- You can request different types of previously filed tax returns, usually going back six years or more, depending on the form requested.
- It currently costs $43 to get a full copy of your tax return.
- If an exact copy is unnecessary, Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ are available for free transcripts of previously filed tax returns.
Who Can File Form 4506?
Any taxpayer needing previously filed tax return copies can file Form 4506. You can also request that a copy of your tax return be sent directly to a third party, such as a mortgage lender verifying your income with the IRS.
How to File Form 4506
Form 4506 can be filed when a full, exact copy of a previously filed tax return is required. This includes various forms, such as the Form 1040 series of individual tax returns, Form 1120 series corporate tax returns, Form 1065 partnership tax returns, and Form 1041 estate or trust tax returns. After completion, the form must be mailed to the IRS at the provided address.
There is a $43 fee per tax period requested. Copies are generally available for the return filed in the current year and the previous six years.
Sample IRS Form 4506
Where to Download Form 4506
All versions of Form 4506 can be found on the IRS website and typically take about 75 calendar days to process requests and deliver the copy.
Other Relevant Forms
Other forms in the 4506 series include Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and Form 4506-T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. These allow you to request a transcript—a more concise printout without attachments—of a previously filed tax return.
To request a transcript, download, complete, and mail Form 4506-T. This can be helpful for obtaining specific tax account information or information from Form W-2 and 1099s.
Using Other Forms for Tax Transcripts
Form 4506-T can be filed when you need a comprehensive transcript for forms within the Form 1040 series, Form 1120 series, and Form 1065, and these are available for the current and past three tax years. Via online registration with the IRS, transcripts can be acquired immediately and free of charge.
For a simplified tax return transcript of a 1040 series return, use Form 4506-T-EZ. These transcripts reflect income tax return information as filed, but exclude changes made post-processing.
If urgent tax information is required, the IRS’s online Get Transcript tool or a call to 1-800-908-9946 may expedite the process of obtaining a free transcript. Various government bodies and loan institutions recognize transcripts as an equivalent substitute for exact copies.
Since 2019, to protect against identity theft and fraud, the IRS’s transcripts show only the last four digits of social security numbers and telephone numbers. Taxpayers can still request unmasked transcripts, but these will be sent only to the taxpayer’s address of record.
Special Considerations When Filing Form 4506
When submitting any of the Form 4506 series by paper, either spouse can request copies or transcripts of jointly filed tax returns, but only one signature is required. For Get Transcript online, either spouse from a joint return can make the request. For Get Transcript by mail or phone, only the primary taxpayer can request.
FAQ on Form 4506 and Related Forms
What Is IRS Form 4506 and 4506-T?
IRS Form 4506 is filed by taxpayers to request an exact copy of a previous tax return. For copies of tax information that don’t require an exact copy, Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ are suitable alternatives.
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Documents?
Using IRS online services like ‘Get Transcript,’ documents can be available instantly. Mailing requests may take 5 to 10 calendar days. Requests for exact copies via Form 4506 can take up to 75 calendar days to process.
Can I Use a Transcript for My Mortgage Lender?
Yes, tax transcripts are often accepted by mortgage lending agencies as a substitute for exact tax returns since they were designed for this purpose.
Why Would a Lender Require Form 4506-T?
Mortgage lenders require Form 4506-T during the loan application process to verify the income information provided through direct IRS documentation.
Related Terms: IRS, Tax Return Transcript, Form 4506-T, Form 1065, Form 1040.
References
- Internal Revenue Service. “Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Here’s How People Can Request a Copy of Their Previous Tax Return”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “4506-T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Form 4506-T (Rev. 4-2023)”, Page 1-2.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Topic No. 156 Copy or Transcript of Your Tax Return – How to Get One”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “About Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Coming Soon: A New Tax Transcript to Better Protect Taxpayer Data”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “About the New Tax Transcript: FAQs”.
