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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 15721: 15721

IRS Form 15721 is a request to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related transcript. Use it when you need an official copy for personal, legal, or financial purposes.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 15721 - 15721

IRS Form 15721 is a request to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return or related transcript. Use it when you need an official copy for personal, legal, or financial purposes.

It captures the requester’s identity, the tax year(s) requested, the type of document (full return or transcript), and the delivery method.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can nullify the entire request.
  • 2Missing or illegible signature
  • 3Incorrect tax year entered
  • 4Wrong delivery address
  • 5Failure to attach required ID

Plain English

This form lets you ask the IRS to send you a duplicate of a tax return you already filed. It’s the official way to get a paper copy or an electronic transcript when you can’t find your own records.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-04-08 10:10:39
  • 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

financialofficialidentityobtainmethodpaper

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What this form is for

  • Use when you need an official copy of a filed return.
  • Do not use for wage statements or 1099s.
  • Check Form 4506‑T if you only need a transcript.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need only a transcript

Faster, no fee

✓ Verify transcript type needed

Form 4506‑T

Request for a damaged return

Power of attorney required

✓ Ensure POA is current

Form 2848 with Form 15721

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline to request a copy, but many agencies (banks, courts) require the document within 30 days of the request. Submit the form promptly to avoid missing external deadlines.

  • —Number of years requested | multiply by $50 (if fee applies) | Total fee | Verify fee schedule for each year

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Requester name

Government‑issued ID · Driver’s license or passport

⚠ Misspelling or nickname✕ High
2

Tax year(s)

Prior return copy · Last filed return

⚠ Wrong year selected✕ Medium
3

Document type

Check box (return vs transcript) · Form instructions

⚠ Selecting wrong box✕ High
4

Signature

Hand‑signed on form · Physical signature

⚠ Printed or missing signature✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the current edition of Form 15721.
  2. 2Enter the correct tax year(s).
  3. 3Select the proper document type.
  4. 4Attach a clear copy of a valid photo ID.
  5. 5Include power‑of‑attorney if filing for another person.
  6. 6Sign and date the form in ink.
  7. 7Write the correct mailing address.
  8. 8Double‑check the edition date on the form.
  9. 9Confirm no fee is required for your request.
  10. 10Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 15721 from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print the form on white 8.5" x 11" paper.
  3. 3Complete all required fields in black ink.
  4. 4Attach a photocopy of a valid photo ID.
  5. 5If applicable, attach a completed Form 2848 (POA).
  6. 6Sign and date the form.
  7. 7Mail to the address listed for your state, using certified mail if desired.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not guarantee immediate delivery; processing time varies.
  2. 2Only returns that have been processed by the IRS can be copied.
  3. 3Electronic submission is limited to taxpayers with an active IRS e‑file account.
  4. 4The IRS may refuse the request if identification is insufficient.

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 15721 is active for the {current_year} tax year. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before filing. Processing time is typically 30‑45 days after receipt, but delays can occur during peak periods.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the latest version (usually January of the filing year).
  • Fee – no fee for standard copies; check for expedited service fees.
  • Mailing address – use the address specific to your state in the instructions.
  • Signature line – ensure the signature matches the name on the tax return.
  • Attachment requirements – include a copy of a valid photo ID.

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer, a legal representative, or an authorized third‑party can file this form.
It captures the requester’s identity, the tax year(s) requested, the type of document (full return or transcript), and the delivery method.
File the form as soon as you know you need a copy; the IRS typically processes requests within 30‑45 days after receipt.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for your state, or submit electronically if you have an approved e‑file account.
Errors can delay processing, cause the IRS to reject the request, or result in the wrong year’s return being sent, which may affect legal or financial deadlines.
1. Download the latest Form 15721 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in personal information, tax year(s), and document type. 3. Attach a copy of a valid photo ID and any power‑of‑attorney documentation if filing for someone else. 4. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address in the instructions or upload via the IRS portal.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the mailed copy and tracking receipt.
  2. 2Mark the expected processing window (30‑45 days).
  3. 3Monitor mail for the IRS response.
  4. 4Verify the returned document matches the requested year and type.
  5. 5Store the copy in a secure location.
  6. 6Update any third‑party that requested the document.
  7. 7If no response after 45 days, contact the IRS toll‑free line.

Sources

  • SRCForm 15721 title and purposeIRS official form page
  • SRCEligibility and requester typesIRS instructions for Form 15721
  • SRCRequired attachmentsIRS Form 15721 instructions
  • SRCProcessing time estimateIRS public guidance on copy requests
  • SRCMailing addressesIRS state‑specific address list in the form instructions
  • SRCEdition date locationtop of Form 15721 PDF
  • SRCFee informationIRS fee schedule for return copies
  • SRCSignature requirementsForm 15721 instructions

Common confusion points

Copy vs transcript

Many think they are the same

→ Request the correct form (15721 for copy, 4506‑T for transcript)

Fee applicability

Some assume a fee always applies

→ Check the fee schedule for each year

Signature requirement

Electronic signatures not accepted

→ Use a handwritten ink signature

Mailing address

Using the wrong state address

→ Verify address in the form instructions

Power of attorney scope

POA may not cover return copies

→ Ensure POA authorizes request for copies

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather prior tax return or transcript reference

Current

15721

After

Form 4506‑T if only a transcript is needed

Often used with

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) when filing for another taxpayer

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File a Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to trace missing documents

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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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