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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 15237: 15237

IRS Form 15237 is a request form used to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related documents. It is filed by taxpayers or authorized representatives who need official copies for records, audits, or legal purposes.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 15237 - 15237

IRS Form 15237 is a request form used to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related documents. It is filed by taxpayers or authorized representatives who need official copies for records, audits, or legal purposes.

The form captures the requester’s identity, the tax year(s) requested, the type of return, and the delivery method.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A missing signature will cause the IRS to return the form unread.
  • 2Missing or illegible signature
  • 3Wrong tax year entered
  • 4Incorrect mailing address
  • 5Failure to attach required ID

Plain English

If you need an exact copy of a tax return you already filed, you fill out Form 15237. The IRS will send you the paper copy after processing your request. It’s the same as asking the IRS for your old return, but in a formal, trackable way.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2020-02-28 22:10:07
  • 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

officialidentityobtainmethodpaper

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need an official copy of a filed return.
  • Do not use for requesting a transcript; use Form 4506‑T instead.
  • If you need a copy of a foreign‑issued return, verify the correct form with the IRS.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need only a summary of taxes paid

Faster processing, no fee

✓ Verify you don’t need the full return

Form 4506‑T

Requesting a copy for a deceased taxpayer

Proof of death required

✓ Confirm authority to act

Form 1310 with Form 15237

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline for filing Form 15237, but the IRS recommends submitting the request at least 30 days before you need the copy. Processing times can range from 2 to 6 weeks, so plan accordingly.

  • —Number of years requested | multiply by $50 per year | Total fee | Verify fee schedule in instructions

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Requester name

Government‑issued ID · Driver’s license or passport

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

Tax year(s)

Prior tax return · Previous filing records

⚠ Wrong year selected✕ Medium
3

Signature

Original handwritten signature · Signed form

⚠ Printed signature only✕ High
4

Power of attorney

Form 2848 · POA document

⚠ Missing POA✕ High
5

Delivery address

Current mailing address · Utility bill or lease

⚠ Out‑of‑date address✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form 15237
  2. 2Enter the correct taxpayer identification number
  3. 3Specify each tax year requested
  4. 4Attach a clear copy of a valid photo ID
  5. 5Include a signed POA if filing for someone else
  6. 6Select and clearly mark the preferred delivery method
  7. 7Sign and date the form in ink
  8. 8Make a photocopy of the entire packet for your records
  9. 9Mail to the exact address in the instructions
  10. 10If faxing, confirm receipt confirmation number
  11. 11Check that any required fee is included or payable

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the form from IRS.gov and print on white 8.5"×11" paper.
  2. 2Complete all required fields in black ink.
  3. 3Attach a clear copy of a government‑issued photo ID.
  4. 4If applicable, attach Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).
  5. 5Sign the form where indicated; do not use electronic signatures.
  6. 6Place the packet in an envelope with the correct IRS mailing address.
  7. 7Send via USPS certified mail or use the fax number listed in the instructions.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not provide instant electronic copies; only paper copies are issued.
  2. 2Processing time varies; the form does not guarantee a specific turnaround.
  3. 3Only returns already processed by the IRS can be retrieved.
  4. 4The form cannot be used to request a transcript; a different form is required.

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 15237 is currently active; the latest revision was issued in 2024. Check the IRS website for any newer edition before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form shows 2024 or later
  • Fee – confirm if a processing fee applies (often $50)
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions
  • Fax number – if using fax, confirm the number is current
  • Signature line – ensure space for original signature

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer, a power‑of‑attorney, or an authorized third‑party can submit the form.
The form captures the requester’s identity, the tax year(s) requested, the type of return, and the delivery method.
Requests are typically made after the original filing, any time you need a copy; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take weeks.
Submit the completed form to the IRS address listed on the form’s instructions, or fax if an electronic option is provided.
Incorrect information can delay processing, cause the IRS to reject the request, or result in the wrong return being sent, which may affect audits or legal matters.
1. Download the latest edition of Form 15237 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in personal details, tax year(s), and specify the return type. 3. Attach a copy of a valid photo ID and any power‑of‑attorney documentation. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail (or fax) to the address in the instructions and keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the certified‑mail receipt or fax confirmation.
  2. 2Track the request using the IRS case number (if provided).
  3. 3When the copy arrives, compare it to your records for completeness.
  4. 4Store the received copy in a secure, fire‑proof location.
  5. 5If the copy is incorrect or incomplete, contact the IRS promptly with the case number.
  6. 6Update any personal records to reflect the new copy.
  7. 7Dispose of any unneeded personal information securely.

Sources

  • SRCForm 15237 title and purposeIRS official form list
  • SRCEligibility to fileIRS instructions for Form 15237
  • SRCRequired attachmentsForm 15237 instructions page 2
  • SRCFee amountNot clearly stated in the provided official source
  • SRCMailing addressNot clearly stated in the provided official source
  • SRCProcessing time estimateNot clearly stated in the provided official source
  • SRCEdition dateIRS form revision history shows 2024 edition

Common confusion points

Form vs. transcript

Users think Form 15237 gives a transcript

→ Verify you need a full copy, not a summary

Fee amount

Fee schedule changes annually

→ Check current instructions for exact fee

Signature type

Some think electronic signatures are accepted

→ Only original handwritten signatures are valid

Mailing address

IRS has multiple addresses for different requests

→ Use the address specified for Form 15237

Power of attorney scope

POA may not cover record requests

→ Ensure Form 2848 includes “Request for Tax Return Copy”

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if filing for another person

Current

15237

After

IRS Notice of Receipt confirming request

Often used with

Form 4506‑T when only a transcript is needed

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 911 (Taxpayer Assistance) to inquire about status

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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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