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Official form guide
Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return
IRS Form 4506 is a Request for Copy of Tax Return used to request copies of tax returns. The form must be filed within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer.
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IRS Form 4506 - Request for Copy of Tax Return
IRS Form 4506 is a Request for Copy of Tax Return used to request copies of tax returns. The form must be filed within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to check the box in the signature area; otherwise, the form will not be processed.
- 2Filing without completing all applicable lines (including 5-7)
- 3Not signing Form 4506 if you are not the taxpayer listed
- 4Forgetting to check the acknowledgment box in the signature area
- 5Mailing the form to an incorrect state address chart location
Plain English
This form allows an individual or authorized person to ask the IRS for a copy of a specific tax return. By completing Form 4506, you formally request that the agency provide your tax record. If you need the copies sent to someone else (a third party), you designate them on line 5.
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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What this form is for
- Use this form when requesting a copy of your tax return from the IRS, or when designating a third party to receive the tax return via line 5 on Form 4506.
- Do not use this form when you only need one type of return and do not want to complete another Form 4506; in that case, you should enter only one return number.
- Check other instructions if the request applies to a joint return, as at least one spouse must sign Form 4506.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Taxpayer has died
Section 6103(e) applies due to death and requires specific documentation on Form 4506.
✓ Check the instructions regarding estate/trust filings.
Filing is for a corporation
Must attach authorization documents, such as a letter from the principal officer, to Form 4506.
✓ Ensure the proper entity document accompanies your request.
Requesting records for a joint return
At least one spouse must sign Form 4506 to validate the request.
✓ Confirm all spouses have signed if applicable.
Deadline or filing window
The request must be received by the IRS within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer. If you are requesting a return for more than one year or period and two addresses are shown on the chart, send your request based on the address of your most recent return.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1a/2a (Taxpayer Name)
Your name, SSN/ITIN/EIN holder's name · Section 1 of Form 4506
Line 8b (Number of returns requested)
The count of returns you are requesting on Form 4506 · Line 7 of Form 4506
Line 1a/2a Declaration
You must declare that you are the taxpayer or authorized to obtain the return · Signature block on Form 4506
Fee (Line 8a)
$30 per return requested · Line 8 of Form 4506
Period Requested (Ending Date)
The end date of the tax year or period, formatted as mm/dd/yyyy · Line 7 of Form 4506
Before you submit
- 1Complete all applicable lines on Form 4506
- 2Ensure the form is legible (otherwise, it may be rejected)
- 3Enter only one return number unless you are completing another Form 4506 for additional types of returns
- 4Verify that Line 8a correctly reflects a $30 fee per return requested
- 5Confirm payment is included and made payable to "United States Treasury"
- 6Check the box if the copies must be certified for court or administrative proceedings (Line 7)
- 7If applicable, attach the required authorization document (e.g., Form 2848) for a representative signing.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all applicable lines on Form 4506, including providing your SSN, ITIN, or EIN and stating "Form 4506 request" on the payment.
- 2Calculate the total cost by multiplying Line 8a ($30) by Line 8b (Number of returns requested), then include the full payment with the request.
- 3Sign Form 4506, declaring your authorization to obtain the tax return (and ensure at least one spouse signs if it is a joint return).
- 4Mail the completed Form 4506 and payment to the address chart matching whether you filed an individual or other return.
Known limitations
- 1If a joint return, only one return number can be entered unless another Form 4506 is completed.
- 2The form must be signed by the taxpayer shown on line 1a or 2a, or an authorized person to obtain the tax return requested.
- 3For a joint return, at least one spouse must sign the IRS Form 4506.
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 current edition is Revision 4-2025, and users should visit www.irs.gov/form4506 for the latest information regarding Form 4506.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm Revision 4-2025
- Fee — confirm $30 fee per return requested (Line 8a)
- Mailing address — verify the specific address chart based on whether you filed an individual or other return.
- Signature — ensure the taxpayer signs, declaring authorization, and that at least one spouse signs for joint returns.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed and signed IRS Form 4506 for your records.
- 2The IRS may refund the fee if it cannot find the tax return requested; check the box on line 9 to direct the refund to a third party listed on line 5.
- 3If copies must be certified for court or administrative proceedings, check the designated box on Form 4506 (line not specified in text but implied).
- 4The IRS may take up to 75 calendar days to process the request.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — The official title is Request for Copy of Tax Return.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Do not sign this form unless all applicable lines have been completed.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — There is a $30 fee for each return requested (Line 8a).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The purpose of Form 4506 is to request a copy of your tax return.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — It may take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process the request.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If you need more than one type of return, you must complete another Form 4506.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Full payment (Line 8) must be included with your request or it will be rejected.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Section 6103 limits disclosure and use of return information received pursuant to the taxpayer’s consent.
Common confusion points
Do I need a different form if I want more than one type of return?
The source states that if you need more than one type of return, you must complete another Form 4506.
→ Ensure line 7 lists all requested return types.
What is the difference between 'Taxpayer' and 'Designated Recipient'?
The taxpayer signs to request the copy, but line 5 allows designation of a third party who will receive it.
→ Check if you are signing as yourself or designating someone else on Line 5.
When do I need to submit Form 4506?
While not explicitly stated in one sentence, general instructions imply filing within the standard timeframe; however, the provided text does not specify a deadline other than stating it must be signed.
→ Confirm your filing date relative to when you sign the form.
What happens if I forget to pay the fee?
The source states that there is a $30 fee for each return requested, and full payment must be included with the request or it will be rejected.
→ Verify line 8a ($30) matches your required payment amount.
Do I need to provide my SSN/EIN even if I am requesting copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ?
Yes; the source requires providing this information (including SSN or EIN) to process the request under sections 6103 and 6109.
→ Ensure your identifying number is clearly entered on Form 4506.
What if my return isn't found by the IRS?
If the IRS cannot find the tax return, it will refund the fee.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you need more than one type of return, complete another Form 4506.
Questions about IRS Form 4506
What is IRS Form 4506 used for?
This form allows an individual or authorized person to ask the IRS for a copy of a specific tax return. By completing Form 4506, you formally request that the agency provide your tax record. If you need the copies sent to someone else (a third party), you designate them on line 5.
Who must file IRS Form 4506?
Taxpayers whose name is shown on line 1a or 2a must sign Form 4506, or a person authorized to obtain the tax return requested must sign. If the request applies to a joint return, at least one spouse must sign.
What information does IRS Form 4506 require?
The form collects identifying information like your SSN, ITIN, or EIN (which is entered on the check/money order), and details about the returns requested. Specifically, line 8a lists the cost per return, while line 8b specifies the number of returns requested.
When is IRS Form 4506 due?
The IRS must receive Form 4506 within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer. It may take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process the request.
Where do I file IRS Form 4506?
Payment and Form 4506 are mailed based on the state where the return was filed (or your business was in). If filing an individual return, mail it to a specific address chart depending on the state you lived in.
How do I complete IRS Form 4506?
First, complete all applicable lines, including lines 5 through 7. Next, determine the cost (line 8a) and number of returns requested (line 8b) to calculate the total cost (line 8c). Finally, the taxpayer must sign and date Form 4506, ensuring the acknowledgment box is checked.
What happens if IRS Form 4506 is filed incorrectly?
If the IRS cannot find the tax return, they will refund the fee. Furthermore, if the form is incomplete or illegible, the request may be rejected.
Do I need a different form if I want more than one type of return?
The source states that if you need more than one type of return, you must complete another Form 4506. Ensure line 7 lists all requested return types.
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