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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 15397: 15397

IRS Form 15397 is an internal request form used by certain government agencies to obtain a taxpayer’s return information from the IRS. It is filed when an authorized entity needs a copy of a return for official purposes.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 15397 - 15397

IRS Form 15397 is an internal request form used by certain government agencies to obtain a taxpayer’s return information from the IRS. It is filed when an authorized entity needs a copy of a return for official purposes.

The form captures the requesting agency’s details, the taxpayer’s identifying information, the specific tax year(s) requested, and the purpose of the request.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the taxpayer’s SSN can halt the entire request.
  • 2Incorrect taxpayer SSN or name
  • 3Missing authorized signature
  • 4Wrong tax year(s) selected
  • 5Omitting required supporting documents

Plain English

Think of this as a paperwork shortcut that lets a federal agency ask the IRS for a copy of someone’s tax return. The agency fills it out, signs it, and sends it to the IRS for the requested records.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2025-05-19 22:10:13
  • 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

officialinternalfederalobtainentity

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What this form is for

  • Use when an authorized agency needs a copy of a taxpayer’s return.
  • Do not use for personal requests or for tax‑preparer inquiries.
  • If you need a transcript instead of a full return, consider Form 4506‑T.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need a transcript for a loan

Provides a summary, not a full return

✓ Verify lender requires a transcript

Form 4506‑T

Individual wants a copy of own return

Direct taxpayer request, not agency request

✓ Ensure taxpayer signs

Form 4506

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory filing deadline for Form 15397, but agencies should submit the request promptly to avoid processing delays. Expect 4‑6 weeks for the IRS to locate and release the records.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer identification

Social Security card or ITIN letter · Taxpayer file

⚠ Misspelled name or wrong number✕ High
2

Requested year(s)

Prior year tax returns · Agency request log

⚠ Selecting the wrong year✕ Medium
3

Purpose code

Agency purpose documentation · Agency policy manual

⚠ Missing or vague purpose✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify taxpayer name, SSN, and address match IRS records.
  2. 2Confirm the correct tax year(s) are listed.
  3. 3Check that the purpose code matches the agency’s need.
  4. 4Ensure an authorized signature and printed title are present.
  5. 5Attach any required supporting letters or orders.
  6. 6Use the current edition of the form.
  7. 7Print clearly; avoid handwritten corrections.
  8. 8Include a self‑addressed stamped envelope if a response is needed.
  9. 9Use adequate postage and a trackable mailing method.
  10. 10Retain a complete copy of the packet for agency records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 15397 from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Complete all required fields in black ink.
  3. 3Obtain the authorized official’s signature.
  4. 4Gather supporting documentation as listed in the instructions.
  5. 5Place all items in a single envelope.
  6. 6Mail to the IRS address specified for agency requests.
  7. 7Record the mailing date and tracking number.
  8. 8File a copy of the submission in the agency’s case file.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not provide a fee schedule; agencies must verify internally.
  2. 2Processing time is an estimate; the IRS may request additional info.
  3. 3The form is only for agency‑initiated requests, not private individuals.
  4. 4If the taxpayer’s return is archived, retrieval may take longer.
  5. 5No electronic submission option is listed in the official instructions.

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 15397 is currently active and available on the IRS website. No recent revisions have been announced.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the latest version (check the top of the PDF).
  • Fee – confirm whether a processing fee applies (usually none for agency requests).
  • Mailing address – use the address printed in the form instructions.
  • Signature authority – ensure the signatory is listed on the agency’s authorized signers list.
  • Supporting docs – attach any required agency letters or court orders.

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Quick Facts

Only an authorized federal, state, or local agency may submit Form 15397.
The form captures the requesting agency’s details, the taxpayer’s identifying information, the specific tax year(s) requested, and the purpose of the request.
The form is submitted as soon as the agency determines it needs the return; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several weeks.
Completed forms are mailed to the IRS address listed on the form’s instructions, usually the Internal Revenue Service, Attn: Records Management Division, Austin, TX.
Errors can delay the request, cause the IRS to reject the submission, or result in the wrong return being released, which may breach privacy rules.
1. Gather the taxpayer’s name, SSN, and tax year(s). 2. Fill in the agency’s contact information and purpose code. 3. Sign and date the form with an authorized official’s signature. 4. Include any required supporting documentation. 5. Mail the packet to the address on the form instructions.

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After you file

  1. 1Track the mailing receipt and confirm delivery.
  2. 2Monitor the agency’s inbox for the IRS response.
  3. 3If no response after 6 weeks, call the IRS Records Management line.
  4. 4Securely store the received return in the agency’s records system.
  5. 5Update the case file with the receipt date and any reference numbers.
  6. 6Notify any downstream users that the requested data is now available.
  7. 7Dispose of any unnecessary duplicate copies according to privacy policy.

Sources

  • SRCForm title and purposenot found in provided source
  • SRCAuthorized filer definitionnot found in provided source
  • SRCMailing addressnot found in provided source
  • SRCEdition datenot found in provided source
  • SRCProcessing time estimatenot found in provided source
  • SRCFee informationnot found in provided source
  • SRCSupport document requirementsnot found in provided source

Common confusion points

Confusion: Form 4506 vs. 15397

Both request returns but 15397 is agency‑only

→ Verify requester’s authority before proceeding

Confusion: Need for a transcript

Agencies sometimes think a full return is required

→ Check if a 4506‑T transcript suffices

Confusion: Required supporting docs

Instructions are vague on court orders

→ Attach a copy of the order and note the reference

Confusion: Mailing address changes

IRS updates addresses periodically

→ Use the address printed on the current form version

Confusion: Fee applicability

Some agencies assume a fee exists

→ Confirm with the IRS or agency finance office

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

5 signals

Before

Agency internal request approval

Current

15397

After

IRS Records Management Division processing

Often used with

Form 4506‑T (tax transcript request)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File a follow‑up inquiry using IRS Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund)
  • Update agency case management system

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

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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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