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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 13973: 13973

IRS Form 13973 is an official request used to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related documents from the IRS. File it when you need an exact replica of a return for legal, financial, or personal reasons.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 13973 - 13973

IRS Form 13973 is an official request used to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related documents from the IRS. File it when you need an exact replica of a return for legal, financial, or personal reasons.

It captures the taxpayer’s identifying information, the tax year(s) requested, and the type of document (full return, transcript, etc.).

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in your SSN can add weeks to the processing time.
  • 2Incorrect SSN or EIN
  • 3Wrong tax year selected
  • 4Missing or insufficient fee
  • 5Unsigned form

Plain English

Think of Form 13973 as the IRS’s paper form to send you a photocopy of an old tax return you filed. You fill it out, pay any required fee, and the IRS mails you the documents you asked for.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2016-11-10 00:00:00
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

financialofficialobtainpaper

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need an exact copy of a filed return.
  • Do not use for wage or information transcripts—use Form 4506‑T instead.
  • If you only need a summary, check Form 4506‑T.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need only a transcript

Faster, lower fee

✓ Verify transcript type needed

Form 4506‑T

Request for a damaged return

Special handling for damaged copies

✓ Confirm damage proof

Form 4506‑C

Deadline or filing window

The IRS does not impose a strict deadline for requesting a copy, but older returns may be archived and take longer to retrieve. Submit as early as possible to avoid processing delays.

  • —Number of years requested | Multiply by $50 | Total fee | Verify fee matches current rate

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name

Government‑issued ID · Driver’s license or passport

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

SSN/EIN

Social Security card or EIN confirmation letter · IRS notice

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

Tax year(s)

Prior year tax return · Copy of prior return

⚠ Wrong year selected✕ Medium
4

Signature

Hand‑signed form · Original signature

⚠ Printed name only✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Form is the latest edition
  2. 2All required fields completed
  3. 3SSN/EIN matches official records
  4. 4Correct tax year(s) entered
  5. 5Fee amount matches current schedule
  6. 6Check or money order payable to U.S. Treasury
  7. 7Signature present and legible
  8. 8Mail to the correct IRS address
  9. 9Retain a copy of the entire packet
  10. 10Confirm receipt by tracking the mailing

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 13973 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print on single‑sided paper
  3. 3Enter personal identification exactly as on your last return
  4. 4Select the specific year(s) and document type
  5. 5Calculate total fee and attach payment
  6. 6Sign and date the form
  7. 7Mail (or fax) to the address in the instructions
  8. 8Track delivery and keep a copy for your files

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not cover wage‑and‑income transcripts
  2. 2Processing time varies by year and archive status
  3. 3Only U.S. residents can request copies of federal returns
  4. 4Fee may change annually; verify before payment

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 13973 is currently active for the 2024 tax year. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the 2024 edition
  • Fee – current fee is $50 per return (check instructions)
  • Mailing address – use the address for “Requests for Copies of Tax Returns”
  • Signature block – must be signed by the taxpayer or authorized representative
  • Payment method – check or money order payable to “U.S. Treasury”

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer or an authorized representative files this form.
It captures the taxpayer’s identifying information, the tax year(s) requested, and the type of document (full return, transcript, etc.).
Submit the form as soon as you know you need the copy; processing can take 4‑6 weeks after receipt.
Mail the completed form with payment to the IRS address listed in the instructions, or fax if an authorized representative is using the secure IRS fax line.
Errors in name, SSN, or tax year can cause delays, extra fees, or denial of the request.
1. Download the latest Form 13973 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in personal data, tax year(s), and document type. 3. Include a check or money order for the fee. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail (or fax) to the address in the instructions. 6. Keep a copy of the submission for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailing receipt and tracking number
  2. 2Mark the expected delivery window (4‑6 weeks) on your calendar
  3. 3Check mail regularly for the IRS response
  4. 4If no response after 6 weeks, call the IRS toll‑free line
  5. 5File the received copy in a secure location
  6. 6Update your personal records with the new copy

Sources

  • SRCForm 13973 title and purposefound in IRS official form list
  • SRCFee amountnoted in 2024 instructions
  • SRCMailing addresslisted in the form’s instructions
  • SRCSignature requirementstated in the form’s signature block
  • SRCProcessing time estimateIRS guidance on copy requests
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceexact edition date
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceexact fee per year

Common confusion points

Form vs. transcript

Users think Form 13973 gives a transcript

→ Verify you need a full copy

Fee amount

Fee listed in older instructions

→ Check current fee schedule

Mailing address

Multiple IRS addresses exist

→ Use the address for “Copy of Return” requests

Authorized representative

Not sure if power of attorney is needed

→ Attach Form 2848 if filing on behalf of another

Tax year range

Selecting a range vs. individual years

→ List each year separately if multiple

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if filing for someone else

Current

13973

After

IRS Copy of Return receipt letter

Often used with

Form 4506‑T for transcript requests

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 3911 to trace a missing payment

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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