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Form 4506B: Request for a Copy of Exempt Organization IRS Application or Letter
IRS Form 4506-B is used to request a copy of an exempt organization's IRS Application or Letter for filing with the Internal Revenue Service. Determination letters issued 2014 or later are available for inspection and printing on Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS).
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IRS Form 4506B - Request for a Copy of Exempt Organization IRS Application or Letter
IRS Form 4506-B is used to request a copy of an exempt organization's IRS Application or Letter for filing with the Internal Revenue Service. Determination letters issued 2014 or later are available for inspection and printing on Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS).
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use Form 4506-B to request copies of returns or reports; use Form 4506-A instead.
- 2Filing without providing a reason for the request (unless you are a commercial user).
- 3Not completing a separate Form 4506-B for each organization requested.
- 4Omitting the official name of the exempt organization on Line 2, which may prevent location.
- 5Checking an item on Line 5 that is not specified (e.g., requesting 'other' without detail).
Plain English
This form allows anyone to formally ask the IRS for copies of paperwork related to an exempt organization, such as its application to be recognized as tax-exempt. If you need a copy of that official approval letter or the original application itself, this is the document to use.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2024-05-22 22:10:09
- 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 organization's exemption application or determination letter under Section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Do not use Form 4506-B to request copies of returns, reports, or notices.
- Check Form 4506-A instead when requesting a copy of an exempt or political organization's return, report, or notice.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting an organizational return/report
Use this form to request copies of returns, reports, or notices.
✓ Check box on Line 5
Requesting a political organization's report/return
This form is used for Political Organization Reports of Contributions and Expenditures.
✓ Select appropriate category on Line 3
Requesting a specific application type (e.g., Form 1024)
While 4506-B covers the general request, 4506-A is used for other filings.
✓ Ensure "other" box on Line 5 is checked if applicable
Deadline or filing window
The form does not have a specific deadline, but the request must be submitted using Form 4506-B. To avoid being charged the commercial rate, all requesters (except commercial users) must provide an explanation of how the records will be used to support the request.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1: Requester details
First name, Last name, Phone Ext, Date (MM/DD/YYYY), Address lines · Form PDF p.1
Line 3: Category of requester
Commercial user, Non-commercial scientific institution, Media, Educational institution, All others · Form PDF p.1
Line 4: Reason for request
Explanation of how records will be used (required unless commercial user) · Form PDF p.1
Line 5: Item requested
Application for exemption (most recent Forms 1023, 1023-EZ, 1024, 1024-A, etc.) · Form PDF p.1/p.2
General Use
Exempt organization application or determination letter copy · Instructions p.1/p.2
Before you submit
- 1Complete all fields for Requester (Line 1) and Exempt Organization (Line 2).
- 2Check one box under Category of requester (Line 3).
- 3Provide a reason for request on Line 4 unless the filer is a commercial user.
- 4Select the specific item(s) being requested by checking boxes on Line 5.
- 5If requesting an unspecified item, ensure 'other' is checked and specify it on the lines provided (Line 5).
- 6Confirm that all requests are for application/determination letters, not returns or notices.
- 7Submit the completed form via email using the 'Submit Form' button at the bottom of the page.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Line 1 with personal details and address information as the Requester.
- 2Fill out Line 2 with the name, EIN, and full address of the Exempt Organization whose records are needed.
- 3Check the appropriate box under Line 3 to categorize yourself (e.g., Media, Educational institution).
- 4Provide a detailed explanation on Line 4 of how the requested records will be used (unless commercial user).
- 5Select all required items by checking the corresponding boxes on Line 5.
- 6Submit the completed Form 4506-B via email using the 'Submit Form' button.
Known limitations
- 1Form 4506-B must be used exclusively to request copies of exemption applications and/or determination letters.
- 2The form does not accept requests for copies of an exempt or political organization's return, report, or notice; Form 4506-A should be used instead.
- 3If the requester does not enter the organization's official name on Line 2, the IRS may not be able to locate or provide the requested item.
- 4All other form or letter requests will not be accepted using Form 4506-B.
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 of IRS Form 4506-B is dated May 2024, and the instructions direct users to www.irs.gov/form4506ab for the latest information regarding developments.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads 05/24.
- Fee — confirm commercial users are charged $0.20 per page, and educational institutions/media receive the first 100 pages free.
- Mailing address — verify the primary mailing address is NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224 (though email submission is preferred).
- Submission method — confirm that electronic submissions must use the 'Submit Form' button at the bottom of the form.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed Form 4506-B for records.
- 2The IRS may disclose information from this request to federal and state agencies to enforce laws or combat terrorism.
- 3If providing willfully false or fraudulent information, the filer may be subject to criminal penalties.
- 4Keep books or records relating to Form 4506-B as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form 4506-B is used to request a copy of an exempt organization's exemption application or determination letter under Section 6104.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Determination letters issued 2014 or later are available for inspection and printing on Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — All other form or letter requests will not be accepted by Form 4506-B.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Line 5 allows requesting more than one item, but it does NOT accept copies of returns, reports or notices.
- SRCForm p.1 — The submission method requires completing the form and clicking the “Submit Form” button at the bottom to submit via email.
- SRCForm p.1 — Commercial users must select a specific category on Line 3 (e.g., Non-commercial scientific institution, Media) to avoid being charged the commercial rate.
Common confusion points
What if I want a copy of an organization's return or notice?
The Form 4506-B is specifically for exemption applications or determination letters, but you can request returns/notices using this form if you check the appropriate box(es).
→ Confirm that checking 'other' in Line 5 allows you to specify a return, report, or notice.
Who must file Form 4506-B?
Any requester who needs a copy of an exempt organization's exemption application or determination letter must use Form 4506-B.
→ Check that the request is for an 'exemption application or determination letter,' not just a return or notice.
Can I request my own organization's documents?
Yes, an organization or its officers may request copies of their own application on Form 4506-B; however, they will only receive the copy that is designated as 'Open for Public Inspection.'
→ Check Line 1 to enter the requester's details and ensure the organization requesting is listed correctly in Line 2.
How do I avoid paying the commercial rate?
All requesters, except those identified as 'commercial users,' must provide a reason for the request on Form 4506-B and explain how the records will be used.
→ Confirm that you have filled out Line 4 with an explanation of use if you are not a commercial user.
What is the cost structure for getting copies?
The IRS sends a bill for the photocopy cost, and if the total cost exceeds $250, the IRS requests payment in advance.
→ Check the chart referenced on Instructions p.1 to see specific costs based on the item requested.
Where should I send Form 4506-B?
The instructions state not to send Form 4506-B to NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224; instead, the filer must refer to 'Where To File' (which is implied as being elsewhere in the full packet).
→ Look for a specific "Where To File" section on the form or instructions to confirm the correct mailing address.
What happens if I don't provide all the required information?
If the requester does not furnish the necessary information, the IRS may not be able to fulfill the request. Additionally, providing willfully false or fraudulent information may result in criminal penalties.
→ Check Lines 1 and 2 carefully before submission to ensure the name, address, phone number, organization's official name, address, and EIN are all entered.
What if I want a copy of an application that isn't listed?
If you check "other" in Line 5, you must indicate the specific item(s) being requested on the lines provided below that section.
→ Ensure that when requesting something not explicitly checked (like a specific notice), you detail it clearly in the accompanying space.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you do not furnish information on Line 4, the IRS may not be able to fulfill your request.
Questions about IRS Form 4506B
What is IRS Form 4506B used for?
This form allows anyone to formally ask the IRS for copies of paperwork related to an exempt organization, such as its application to be recognized as tax-exempt. If you need a copy of that official approval letter or the original application itself, this is the document to use.
Who must file IRS Form 4506B?
Any requester may file Form 4506-B by using it to request copies under Section 6104. Specific categories listed on Line 3 include Commercial user, Non-commercial scientific institution, Media, Educational institution, and All others.
What information does IRS Form 4506B require?
The form collects information about the requester (Line 1), the exempt organization (Line 2), the category of requester (Line 3), and the reason for the request (Line 4). Line 5 allows the filer to check specific items being requested, such as 'Application for exemption.'
When is IRS Form 4506B due?
The source does not specify a due date; rather, it governs when the request should be submitted. All requesters must provide a reason for requesting the records to avoid being charged the commercial rate.
Where do I file IRS Form 4506B?
Form 4506-B can be submitted via email by clicking the “Submit Form” button at the bottom of the form. The address NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224 is listed, but requesters should check 'Where To File' for routing.
How do I complete IRS Form 4506B?
First, complete Line 1 with the requester's name, phone number, and address. Next, fill out Line 2 with the organization’s official name, address, and EIN. Then, check the appropriate box on Line 3 (Category of requester) before selecting the specific item(s) needed on Line 5.
What happens if IRS Form 4506B is filed incorrectly?
If information is willfully false or fraudulent on Form 4506-B, it may subject the requester to criminal penalties. Incomplete requests will be rejected by the IRS.
What if I want a copy of an organization's return or notice?
The Form 4506-B is specifically for exemption applications or determination letters, but you can request returns/notices using this form if you check the appropriate box(es). Confirm that checking 'other' in Line 5 allows you to specify a return, report, or notice.
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