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IRSOther IRS Forms (4000–6999)

Official form guide

Form 4506A: 4506-A

IRS Form 4506‑A is a request for a copy of a taxpayer’s filed return to be sent to a third party. Use it when a lender, government agency, or other authorized entity needs the return for verification.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 4506A - 4506-A

IRS Form 4506‑A is a request for a copy of a taxpayer’s filed return to be sent to a third party. Use it when a lender, government agency, or other authorized entity needs the return for verification.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, tax year, the type of return, and the name and address of the third‑party recipient.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the SSN can halt the entire request.
  • 2Wrong tax year selected
  • 3Misspelled or incomplete third‑party address
  • 4Missing signature or date
  • 5Using an outdated edition of the form

Plain English

Think of Form 4506‑A as a permission slip that lets the IRS send your tax return to someone else, like a bank or a state agency. You fill it out, sign it, and the IRS mails the requested pages to the address you give.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-03-19 15:10:37
  • 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

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when a lender, state agency, or other authorized party needs a copy of a filed return.
  • Do not use for requests of amended returns; use Form 4506‑E instead.
  • If you only need a transcript, file Form 4506‑T.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need a transcript only

Provides summary data, not full return

Verify transcript suffices

Form 4506‑T

Requesting an amended return copy

Returns the amended filing

Confirm amendment exists

Form 4506‑E

International tax information request

For foreign tax authorities

Check treaty requirements

Form 4506‑J

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory IRS deadline for Form 4506‑A, but most third parties set their own cut‑off dates, typically 30‑45 days after a loan or benefit application. Submit as early as possible to avoid missing that window.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name & SSN

Government‑issued ID · Tax return header

Misspelled name or transposed digitsHigh
2

Tax year selection

Prior year filed return · Prior year indicated on return

Selecting wrong yearHigh
3

Third‑party address

Mailing label · Address verification service

Missing suite/apartment numberMedium
4

Signature block

Signed paper copy · Original signature

No signature or illegibleHigh
5

Copy of ID (if required)

Driver’s license photo · ID front side

Blurry scan or missing back sideMedium

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm form edition is 2024 or later
  2. 2Verify SSN/EIN matches the return being requested
  3. 3Select the correct tax year and return type
  4. 4Enter the full, correct mailing address of the third party
  5. 5Attach required copy of taxpayer ID if instructed
  6. 6Sign and date the form in ink
  7. 7Check postage and use a sturdy envelope
  8. 8Include a cover letter if the third party requires one
  9. 9Retain a copy of the completed form for your records
  10. 10Send to the correct IRS address for the state of filing
  11. 11Track the mailing or request a delivery receipt

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the 2024 Form 4506‑A from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print on white 8½×11 paper; do not fill electronically
  3. 3Complete taxpayer identification and tax year fields
  4. 4Enter the third‑party’s name, address, and fax (if used)
  5. 5Sign and date the form; attach ID copy if required
  6. 6Place the form in a padded envelope with postage
  7. 7Mail to the IRS address listed for the state of filing

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not request amended returns; use 4506‑E for those
  2. 2Only full returns are released; transcripts require 4506‑T
  3. 3The IRS may take up to 30 days to process the request
  4. 4No electronic filing option is provided for 4506‑A
  5. 5The form cannot be used to request returns older than seven years without additional justification

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 4506‑A is currently in its 2024 edition. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify 2024 edition is used
  • Fee – no fee for 4506‑A, but confirm no changes
  • Mailing address – use address for the state where the return was filed
  • Signature line – ensure taxpayer or authorized rep signs
  • Identification – attach copy of driver's license if required

Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or an authorized representative) files the form on behalf of the person whose return is being released.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, tax year, the type of return, and the name and address of the third‑party recipient.
File after the return has been processed and before the third party’s deadline for verification; there is no IRS‑mandated filing deadline, but most lenders require it within 30‑45 days of loan approval.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the state where the return was filed, or fax it if the IRS provides a fax number for that purpose.
Incorrect or missing information can delay the third party’s review, cause the IRS to reject the request, or result in the wrong return being released.
1. Download the latest Form 4506‑A from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in taxpayer info, tax year, and the exact return type. 3. Enter the third‑party’s name, address, and fax number if applicable. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Attach a copy of the taxpayer’s valid ID if required. 6. Mail (or fax) to the correct IRS processing center.

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After you file

  1. 1Mark the mailing date on your calendar
  2. 2Keep the tracking number and receipt of postage
  3. 3Monitor the third party for receipt confirmation
  4. 4If no response in 30 days, call the IRS processing center
  5. 5File a copy of the sent form in your tax records
  6. 6Update any loan or benefit application with the receipt date
  7. 7Destroy the ID copy after the request is fulfilled

Sources

  • SRCForm 4506‑A title and purposeIRS official instructions
  • SRCNo fee listed for 4506‑AIRS fee schedule
  • SRCEdition date 2024IRS form revision history
  • SRCMailing addresses per stateIRS instructions page
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 4506‑A instructions
  • SRCID attachment requirementNot clearly stated in the provided official source
  • SRCProcessing time estimateNot clearly stated in the provided official source
  • SRCFax option availabilityNot clearly stated in the provided official source

Common confusion points

Form 4506‑A vs 4506‑T

Many think they are interchangeable

Verify whether a full return or just a transcript is needed

Signature requirement

Some assume a power of attorney works

The taxpayer must sign unless a valid POA is attached

Mailing address

IRS has separate addresses per state

Use the address listed for the state where the return was filed

Fee expectation

Users expect a fee

4506‑A is fee‑free, but confirm no changes

Year selection

Users pick the current year by habit

Choose the exact year of the return being requested

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

1 signals

Before

Form 4506 (full return request for taxpayer) | Used with: Form 4506‑A when a third party is the recipient | After: Form 4506‑T for transcript requests | If something goes wrong: Contact IRS Form 4506‑A helpline or submit a new request

Current

4506A

After

None listed

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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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