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Official form guide
IRS Form 13533 is a request to obtain a copy of a tax return from the IRS. It is used when an individual, authorized representative, or other party needs an official copy for personal, legal, or financial reasons.
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Start filling →Form Overview
IRS Form 13533 is a request to obtain a copy of a tax return from the IRS. It is used when an individual, authorized representative, or other party needs an official copy for personal, legal, or financial reasons.
Plain English
If you need the IRS to send you a copy of a past tax return, you fill out Form 13533. The form tells the IRS who is asking, which return you need, and why you need it. It works for living taxpayers and, in some cases, for deceased estates.
Submission Date
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Glossary Terms
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Form selector
Need a return transcript
Faster, no fee
✓ Verify transcript meets your need
Request for a deceased taxpayer’s return
Specific estate rules
✓ Confirm executor authority
There is no statutory deadline for filing Form 13533, but processing time can be 6‑8 weeks. Submit as early as possible to avoid delays in any downstream legal or financial actions.
Checklist
Requester name
Government‑issued ID · Driver’s license or passport
Taxpayer SSN
Social Security card or ITIN letter · Tax return copy
Tax year(s) requested
Prior year tax return · Prior filing records
Purpose of request
Written explanation · Letter or legal notice
Field map
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 13533 is currently available in the 2024 edition on IRS.gov. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
Quick Facts
Downloads
Form vs. transcript
Many think Form 13533 gives a transcript
→ Verify you need the full return
Fee requirement
Some years are free, others charge
→ Check IRS fee schedule
Power of attorney need
Not always required
→ Confirm authority before attaching
Mailing address
Different service centers for different request types
→ Use address in current instructions
Edition date
Older PDFs still circulate
→ Ensure you have the 2024 edition
Workflow map
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Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
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