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Official form guide
Form 4506-T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return
IRS Form 4506-T is a Request for Transcript of Tax Return used by taxpayers—including individuals, spouses on joint returns, and corporations—to obtain IRS transcripts. The IRS must receive the signed form within 120 days of the taxpayer’s signature.
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IRS Form 4506-T - Request for Transcript of Tax Return
IRS Form 4506-T is a Request for Transcript of Tax Return used by taxpayers—including individuals, spouses on joint returns, and corporations—to obtain IRS transcripts. The IRS must receive the signed form within 120 days of the taxpayer’s signature.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to sign and check the authority box will cause the IRS to reject the form.
- 2Submitting the form without a taxpayer signature.
- 3Neglecting to check the authority box in the signature area.
- 4Leaving the tax year end date blank or using an incorrect mm/dd/yyyy format.
- 5Omitting the required SSN or EIN on the request.
Plain English
Form 4506-T lets you ask the IRS for a copy of the information it has about your tax return. You fill it out, sign it, and send it to the IRS. It’s used when you need a transcript for loans, verification, or personal records.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The IRS must receive Form 4506-T within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer or it will be rejected.
- 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 you request tax return information.
- Do not use it when you need a copy of the return with attachments; use Form 4506 instead.
- Check Form 4506 instead when you need a full copy of the tax return and its attachments.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting a full copy of the tax return with all attachments
Provides the complete return, whereas Form 4506‑T only provides transcripts
✓ Confirm you need the full return, not just a transcript
Requesting a transcript for an individual 1040 series return
Transcript will reflect information from the filed 1040 return
✓ Verify the tax year and form number on line 6
Requesting a partnership return transcript
Transcript is based on the filed partnership return (Form 1065)
✓ Enter the correct form number on line 6
Deadline or filing window
Form 4506-T must be received by the IRS within 120 days of the taxpayer’s signature. No extension is provided; filing after this window results in rejection.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1b (First social security number)
Social security number or ITIN · Taxpayer’s personal records
Line 2a (Spouse name)
Spouse’s name as shown on tax return · Tax return
Line 3 (Current address)
Current mailing address · Taxpayer’s address records
Line 6 (Transcript requested)
Tax form number (e.g., 1040, 1065, 1120) · Filed tax return
Signature section
Taxpayer signature(s) · The taxpayer(s)
Before you submit
- 1Verify that every applicable line on Form 4506‑T is completed and legible.
- 2Enter the first Social Security Number on line 1b exactly as shown on the tax return.
- 3If filing jointly, enter the spouse’s name on line 2a and the second Social Security Number on line 2b.
- 4Provide the current address on line 3 and, if different, the previous address on line 4.
- 5Enter the tax form number and check the appropriate box on line 6 for the desired transcript.
- 6Specify the year or period end date in mm/dd/yyyy format on line 9.
- 7Sign the form; ensure at least one spouse signs for a joint return.
- 8Use the correct mailing location from the chart for individual transcripts.
- 9Do not mail the form to the IRS Tax Forms and Publications Division address.
- 10Consider using the online Get Transcript service for faster processing if eligible.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required lines on Form 4506‑T, ensuring legibility.
- 2Sign the form as the taxpayer (or spouse) where indicated.
- 3Mail the form to the appropriate IRS address for individual transcripts as listed in the chart.
- 4Retain a copy of the signed form for your records.
- 5Confirm receipt by checking for the transcript mailed to your address of record.
Known limitations
- 1Form 4506‑T cannot be used to obtain copies of Form W‑2 or Form 1099; those require Form 4506.
- 2Form 4506‑T provides only a transcript, not a full copy of the tax return; for a complete return use Form 4506.
- 3The form is invalid if the IRS does not receive it within 120 days of the taxpayer’s signature.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Taxpayer
2 items
Exact name and SSN as shown on the return being requested.
Required for joint returns.
Request
2 items
Select: Return Transcript (line-by-line), Account Transcript (payments/balance), Record of Account, Wage & Income Transcript, or Verification of Nonfiling.
Tax period(s) being requested. Up to 4 years on one form.
Delivery
1 items
If sending directly to a lender or court: name, address, and phone number of recipient.
Sign
1 items
Taxpayer or authorized representative must sign.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form shows Rev. 4‑2025 (April 2025) and directs users to the latest information page at www.irs.gov/form4506t; the filing location has changed and, effective July 2019, transcripts are mailed only to the taxpayer’s address of record.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads Rev. 4‑2025 (April 2025) as shown on the form.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — confirm you use the chart for individual transcripts, not the address listed for the Tax Forms and Publications Division.
- Signature — confirm the taxpayer(s) sign; at least one spouse must sign for joint returns.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a signed copy of Form 4506‑T for your records.
- 2Monitor the mailing address on the form for the incoming transcript.
- 3If the transcript is not received within a reasonable time, call 1-800-908-9946 for assistance.
- 4If the IRS notifies you of an error, correct it by filing a new Form 4506‑T with the required changes.
- 5Retain any IRS correspondence related to the request for at least three years.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — the form must be received by the IRS within 120 days of the signature date.
- SRCForm p.1 — to get a copy of Form W‑2 or Form 1099 you must use Form 4506, not Form 4506‑T.
- SRCForm p.1 — if the request applies to a joint return, at least one spouse must sign.
- SRCForm p.1 — corporate officer or other authorized party must certify authority to sign.
- SRCForm p.2 — the Customer File Number field is optional and not required.
- SRCForm p.1 — phone number for assistance is 1-800-908-9946.
- SRCForm p.2 — do not send the form to the address shown; see Where to file on the IRS website.
- SRCForm p.1 — tip: get faster service online at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946.
Common confusion points
Can I use Form 4506‑T to get my W‑2 or 1099?
I think a transcript includes the original filing documents.
→ Verify that you are requesting a transcript; if you need the actual W‑2 or 1099, submit Form 4506 instead.
Do both spouses have to sign a joint return request?
The form mentions a spouse’s signature line.
→ Ensure at least one spouse signs; both signatures are not required.
How many days after I sign must the IRS receive the form?
The deadline is not obvious on the form.
→ Confirm the IRS receives the form within 120 days of the signature date.
Should I mail the form to the address printed on the PDF?
The form includes a mailing address that might be assumed correct.
→ Follow the “Where to file” instructions on the IRS website, not the address shown in the excerpt.
Is the Customer File Number field mandatory?
The field is labeled “optional” but may be confusing.
→ Leave the field blank if you do not have a customer file number; it is not required.
Do I need to list my title if I sign for a corporation?
The signature block includes a title line.
→ Include your corporate title in the signature block when filing on behalf of a corporation, partnership, estate, or trust.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 4506 – request a full copy of the return when the transcript does not contain needed details.
Questions about IRS Form 4506-T
What is IRS Form 4506-T used for?
Form 4506-T lets you ask the IRS for a copy of the information it has about your tax return. You fill it out, sign it, and send it to the IRS. It’s used when you need a transcript for loans, verification, or personal records.
Who must file IRS Form 4506-T?
Taxpayers—individuals, spouses on a joint return, and corporations—who need an IRS transcript must file Form 4506-T.
What information does IRS Form 4506-T require?
The form collects the taxpayer’s SSN or EIN, the end date of the tax year or period requested (mm/dd/yyyy), and optionally a Customer File Number that will appear on the transcript.
When is IRS Form 4506-T due?
The IRS must receive Form 4506-T within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer or it will be rejected.
Where do I file IRS Form 4506-T?
Do not send the form to the address listed on the PDF; instead, follow the “Where to file” instructions on the IRS website for the appropriate mailing or fax location.
How do I complete IRS Form 4506-T?
Complete all applicable lines, including the tax year end date in mm/dd/yyyy format. Add an optional Customer File Number if desired. Sign and date the form, checking the authority box. Ensure the signature matches the name on the original return, then mail or fax according to the IRS “Where to file” guidance.
What happens if IRS Form 4506-T is filed incorrectly?
If the form is incomplete, illegible, or contains false information, the IRS may reject it or impose penalties for fraudulent submissions.
Can I use Form 4506‑T to get my W‑2 or 1099?
I think a transcript includes the original filing documents. Verify that you are requesting a transcript; if you need the actual W‑2 or 1099, submit Form 4506 instead.
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