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Official form guide
Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return
Internal Revenue Service Form 4506 is a request to obtain a copy of a taxpayer’s filed return. Taxpayers or authorized persons fill it, pay a fee per return, and the IRS may take up to 75 calendar days to process the request.
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IRS Form 4506 - Request for Copy of Tax Return
Internal Revenue Service Form 4506 is a request to obtain a copy of a taxpayer’s filed return. Taxpayers or authorized persons fill it, pay a fee per return, and the IRS may take up to 75 calendar days to process the request.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to check the signature authority box will cause the form to be rejected.
- 2Leaving the signature box unchecked, which prevents processing.
- 3Omitting any of lines 5 through 7, causing the request to be rejected.
- 4Failing to attach a check payable to “United States Treasury.”
- 5Not writing the taxpayer’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN on the payment.
Plain English
Form 4506 lets you ask the IRS for a paper copy of a tax return you filed. You fill out your personal information, specify the year, pay the required fee, and mail it to the IRS. The agency then locates and sends the return to you or a designated third party.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2025-08-28 22:10:22
- 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
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need a copy of a filed tax return.
- Do not use it when you need a tax transcript; use the Get Transcript service online.
- Check Form 2848 instead when you need to authorize a representative to request the return.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Representative requires power of attorney to request the return
IRS permits a representative to sign Form 4506 only with a valid Form 2848 delegation
✓ Confirm Form 2848 line 5a is completed and attached
Requesting a copy of an individual 1040 series return
Form 4506 requests copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ
✓ Verify the return type matches the requested copy
Requesting a copy of an individual 1040A return
Form 4506 can be used for 1040A copies as part of the 1040 series
✓ Ensure the correct return type is indicated
Deadline or filing window
Form 4506 must be mailed to the IRS within 120 days of the taxpayer’s signature; otherwise the request is rejected. No extension is provided in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Taxpayer identification number (SSN/ITIN/EIN)
Social Security card or IRS notice · Taxpayer's personal records
Tax year or period (line 7)
Tax return filing date · Prior year return documents
Certified copy checkbox (line 7)
Requester's purpose statement · Request form instructions
Fee calculation (line 8)
Check or money order for $30 per return · Payment instructions on the form
Signature (line 9)
Taxpayer signature · Signature line on the form
Before you submit
- 1Enter your SSN, ITIN, or EIN on line 1.
- 2Specify the tax year or period ending date on line 7 using mm/dd/yyyy format.
- 3Check the box if a certified copy is required for court or administrative proceedings.
- 4Calculate the total fee by multiplying $30 by the number of returns requested.
- 5Write the total cost on line 8c.
- 6Make the check or money order payable to “United States Treasury” and include “Form 4506 request” on it.
- 7Attach the payment to the form.
- 8If a third party is designated, complete line 5 and attach any required authorization.
- 9If a representative signs, attach Form 2848 showing delegation.
- 10Sign the form as the taxpayer (or spouse if joint).
- 11Mail the completed form, payment, and any attachments to the IRS address for your state.
- 12Retain a copy of the mailed package for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form 4506.
- 2Calculate and attach the $30 fee per return.
- 3Include any required authorization documents (e.g., Form 2848) and payment.
- 4Mail the package to the appropriate IRS address for your state.
- 5Keep the mailing receipt and a copy of the form as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ are generally available for only 7 years from filing.
- 2Only one return number may be entered per Form 4506; additional return types require a separate Form 4506.
- 3Form 4506 does not provide tax return transcripts; those must be obtained through the IRS Get Transcript service.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form shows Rev. 4-2025 (April 2025) and directs users to www.irs.gov/form4506 for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows Rev. 4-2025
- Fee — confirm $30 per return as stated on line 8
- Mailing address — confirm you use the state‑specific address chart on page 2
- Signature — confirm taxpayer(s) sign after completing all applicable lines
- Processing time — confirm the IRS may take up to 75 calendar days to process
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed Form 4506 for your records.
- 2Include a $30 fee per return as a check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.”
- 3Mail the form with payment to the IRS address listed for the state where you lived or your business was located when the return was filed.
- 4Expect processing to take up to 75 calendar days.
- 5If the IRS cannot locate the requested return, they will refund the fee.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ are generally available for 7 years from filing.
- SRCForm p.1 — enter only one return number; if you need more than one type of return, you must complete another Form 4506.
- SRCForm p.1 — taxpayers may register to use Get your tax records and transcripts at www.irs.gov.
- SRCForm p.1 — there is a $30 fee for each return requested.
- SRCForm p.1 — make your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury” and include your SSN, ITIN, or EIN with “Form 4506 request.”
- SRCForm p.2 — it may take up to 75 calendar days for us to process your request.
- SRCForm p.1 — if we cannot find the tax return, we will refund the fee.
- SRCForm p.2 — mail Form 4506 to the address for the state you lived in, or the state your business was in, when that return was filed.
Common confusion points
Do I need to fill out a separate Form 4506 for each tax year?
The form allows only one return number per submission.
→ Verify that you have a distinct Form 4506 for every year you request.
Can I get a transcript instead of a full copy?
Transcripts are obtained via the Get Transcript service, not Form 4506.
→ Use www.irs.gov/GetTranscript for transcript requests.
What is the fee for each copy?
The form lists a $30 fee per return.
→ Confirm your check or money order is for $30 per return.
Where do I mail the form?
Addresses vary by the state of residence or business at filing time.
→ Check the address chart on page 2 for the correct mailing location.
How long will I wait for the copy?
Processing may take up to 75 calendar days.
→ Note the date you mailed and allow 75 days before following up.
What if the IRS can’t find my return?
The form states the fee will be refunded if the return is not located.
→ Keep the payment receipt to track any refund.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 4506 – submit a new request if the first is rejected due to incompleteness.
Questions about IRS Form 4506
What is IRS Form 4506 used for?
Form 4506 lets you ask the IRS for a paper copy of a tax return you filed. You fill out your personal information, specify the year, pay the required fee, and mail it to the IRS. The agency then locates and sends the return to you or a designated third party.
Who must file IRS Form 4506?
Taxpayers or an authorized person who needs a copy of their own tax return files IRS Form 4506.
What information does IRS Form 4506 require?
The form collects the taxpayer’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN, the end date of the tax year (mm/dd/yyyy), the number of returns requested on line 7, and any third‑party designation on line 5. It also requires a signed declaration on line 1a or 2a.
When is IRS Form 4506 due?
The IRS must receive Form 4506 within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer or it will be rejected.
Where do I file IRS Form 4506?
Attach payment and mail Form 4506 to the address for the state you lived in (or your business was in) when the return was filed, using the appropriate address chart for individual (Form 1040 series) or other returns.
How do I complete IRS Form 4506?
Enter the taxpayer’s SSN, ITIN, or EIN, the end date of the requested tax year, and the number of returns on line 7. Designate a third party on line 5 if needed, attach a check payable to “United States Treasury” with “Form 4506 request” written on it, sign and date the form, and check the authority box. Mail the completed form and payment to the correct state address chart.
What happens if IRS Form 4506 is filed incorrectly?
If any required line, especially lines 5 through 7, is incomplete or the signature box is unchecked, the request is rejected and the fee may be refunded.
Do I need to fill out a separate Form 4506 for each tax year?
The form allows only one return number per submission. Verify that you have a distinct Form 4506 for every year you request.
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