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Form 4506A: Request for a Copy of Exempt or Political Organization IRS Form
IRS Form 4506A is used to request copies of exemption applications and letters for exempt or political organizations filed with the IRS by any requester. The general processing time may take up to 60 days.
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IRS Form 4506A - Request for a Copy of Exempt or Political Organization IRS Form
IRS Form 4506A is used to request copies of exemption applications and letters for exempt or political organizations filed with the IRS by any requester. The general processing time may take up to 60 days.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1If you do not enter the organization's official name on Line 1, the IRS may be unable to locate the requested form.
- 2Failing to enter the organization's official name on Line 1 of Form 4506A.
- 3Not providing a reason and explanation for the request (unless commercial).
- 4Completing a separate Form 4506A for each distinct organization requested.
- 5Requesting forms without specifying the tax year(s) or period(s) on Lines 5-8.
Plain English
This form allows a person or group to officially ask the IRS for copies of tax documents, reports, or notices related to an organization that is either charitable or political. Instead of having to get these records from the organization itself, filing Form 4506-A directs the IRS to provide them.
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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What this form is for
- Use this form when requesting a copy of an exempt or political organization’s return, report, or notice under Section 6104 (unless using TEOS).
- Do not use Form 4506-A if you are requesting copies of Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-T received in 2017 or later and can use Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS).
- Check Form 4506-B instead when requesting copies of exemption applications and letters.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting a copy of an organization's own return
The publicly available copy will only include information open for public inspection.
✓ Ensure you request the 'Open for Public Inspection' version.
Need copies of Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-T from 2017 or later
These forms are available in bulk download free of charge via Tax Exempt Organization Search.
✓ Check TEOS first before completing Form 4506-A.
Requesting copies of an exemption application or letter
This specific form is designated for requesting applications and letters, not general returns/reports/notices.
✓ Use this when the request is specifically about documentation filed with the organization.
Deadline or filing window
The filing window is based on need, as Form 4506A requests records from various tax years or periods. The general processing time for a request filed is up to 60 days. No specific extension period is noted in the source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1 Organization Name
Official name of the organization approved for exempt status, address, and EIN · Form 4506-A
Line 2 Requester Info
Requester's name, address, phone number, and contact person's name · Form 4506-A
Line 3 Category of Requester
Check the appropriate category box (must check one) · Form 4506-A
Cost/Fee Amount
$0.20 per page (for non-commercial users after 100 pages) or commercial user fee · IRS Instructions p.1
Processing Time
Generally up to 60 days · Form 4506-A (Instructions p.2)
Before you submit
- 1Enter the organization's official name, address, and EIN on Line 1.
- 2Complete a separate Form 4506-A if requesting copies for more than one organization.
- 3Provide the requester's full name, address, and phone number on Line 2.
- 4List the name of a contact person on Line 2.
- 5Check exactly one box in the Category of Requester section (Line 3).
- 6Complete the Reason for Request field (Line 4) with details.
- 7Include payment (check or money order payable to 'United States Treasury') if requesting USB/samples, or be prepared for a bill.
How to file this form
- 1Fill out Line 1 by entering the organization's official name, address, and employer identification number.
- 2Complete Line 2 with your personal information, including your full name, address, phone number, and contact person’s name.
- 3Select one appropriate category box on Line 3 to identify yourself as the requester.
- 4Detail the specific reason for requesting the copy in Line 4.
- 5Include payment (check or money order payable to 'United States Treasury') with your request.
- 6Mail or fax Form 4506-A to Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Unit, MS: 6716 Ogden, UT 84201, or use the fax number 855-653-9144 for proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1A requester may use Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at www.irs.gov/teos to obtain copies of Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-T received in 2017 or later without completing Form 4506-A.
- 2If an organization's return is not available via TEOS, a requester must submit Form 4506-A to request it.
- 3When requesting copies of the organization's own return on Form 4506-A, the filer will only receive the copy designated as 'Open for Public Inspection,' which may exclude contributor information or non-public documents.
- 4Requests for these 'other' documents take longer to process and could result in significant delays.
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 dated 03/26, and instructions reference a future developments page at www.irs.gov/form4506ab for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads 03/26.
- Fee — check the current IRS website for updated fees, as they are updated in January of each year.
- Mailing address — verify the address is Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Unit, MS: 6716 Ogden, UT 84201.
- Signature — state that a signature is required (implied by filing instructions) but not explicitly detailed on page 1 or 2.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form 4506-A after filing it with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- 2The IRS generally processes requests within up to 60 days.
- 3If an organization's return is being requested, note that tax returns are generally available for seven years from filing before they are destroyed.
- 4If a request is incomplete or illegible, the IRS may reject Form 4506-A.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Purpose of Form 4506-A is to request a copy of an exempt or political organization’s return, report, or notice under Section 6104.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — To request copies of exemption applications and letters, the filer must submit Form 4506-B.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The general processing time for Form 4506-A may take up to 60 days.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — For Line 1 (Exempt or political organization), the filer must enter the official name, address, and employer identification number.
- SRCForm p.1 — Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) is available at irs.gov/teos for finding Forms 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF, and Form 990-T online.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The authority to ask for the information on Form 4506-A is Internal Revenue Code Section 6104 and its regulations.
Common confusion points
Do I have to fill out this form if I just want a copy of an organization's return?
Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) often has the forms available online.
→ Check TEOS at www.irs.gov/teos first; only submit Form 4506-A if the return is not available there.
If I am requesting a copy of my own organization's filing, what kind of copy will I get?
The filer will receive the copy designated as 'Open for Public Inspection.'
→ Confirm that the desired documents are publicly available before submitting Form 4506-A.
Where should I send this form if it is mailed?
Mail or fax to: Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Unit, MS: 6716 Ogden, UT 84201.
→ Do not send the form to the address listed for comments (1111 Constitution Ave. NW).
What if I am requesting a copy of an application or letter?
The filer must submit Form 4506-B, Request for a Copy of Exempt Organization IRS Application or Letter.
→ Use Form 4506-A to request returns, reports, or notices; use Form 4506-B for applications/letters.
What do I need to enter on Line 1 (Exempt or political organization)?
Enter the organization's official name under which exempt status was approved, address, and employer identification number.
→ Do not omit the official name, as this may prevent the IRS from locating the requested form.
If my request is for a specific type of document, what should I check on Line 3 (Category of requester)?
The filer must check the appropriate category of the requester; only one box needs to be checked.
→ Ensure you select the correct category that matches your role in relation to the organization.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Check www.irs.gov/form4506ab for the latest information regarding developments related to Form 4506-A.
Questions about IRS Form 4506A
What is IRS Form 4506A used for?
This form allows a person or group to officially ask the IRS for copies of tax documents, reports, or notices related to an organization that is either charitable or political. Instead of having to get these records from the organization itself, filing Form 4506-A directs the IRS to provide them.
Who must file IRS Form 4506A?
Any requester may file IRS Form 4506A; the form does not specify a single filer category other than 'requester,' but it is used for individuals or groups seeking these records.
What information does IRS Form 4506A require?
The form collects information about the organization via Line 1 (official name, address, EIN) and details what is being requested on Lines 5-8. The requester provides their identifying data on Line 2 and specifies the reason for the request on Line 4.
When is IRS Form 4506A due?
The source does not specify a deadline by which Form 4506A must be filed, as it is used upon need to request records from various tax years or periods. The processing time generally takes up to 60 days.
Where do I file IRS Form 4506A?
To file IRS Form 4506A, mail or fax the form to the Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Unit at MS: 6716 Ogden, UT 84201. The fax number for this unit is 855-653-9144.
How do I complete IRS Form 4506A?
First, complete Line 1 with the organization's official name, address, and EIN. Next, fill out Line 2 with the requester’s details and check the appropriate category on Line 3. Finally, detail the specific forms and tax years requested on Lines 5-8.
What happens if IRS Form 4506A is filed incorrectly?
If a requester fails to provide a reason for requesting the records (unless they are commercial users), they may be charged the commercial rate. Incomplete requests will also result in rejection by the IRS.
Do I have to fill out this form if I just want a copy of an organization's return?
Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) often has the forms available online. Check TEOS at www.irs.gov/teos first; only submit Form 4506-A if the return is not available there.
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