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IRSOther IRS Forms (7000–9999)

Official form guide

Form 973: 973

IRS Form 973 is the request for a copy of an account transcript of a previously filed tax return. Use it when you need the IRS’s detailed record of a return for a specific tax year.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 973 - 973

IRS Form 973 is the request for a copy of an account transcript of a previously filed tax return. Use it when you need the IRS’s detailed record of a return for a specific tax year.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, address, tax year, and the type of transcript requested.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the SSN can stall the entire transcript request.
  • 2Wrong tax year entered
  • 3Missing signature or date
  • 4Incorrect SSN/EIN
  • 5Using an outdated form edition

Plain English

If you need the IRS’s line‑by‑line record of a past return—say for a loan, audit, or personal records—you fill out Form 973. It tells the IRS which year and which taxpayer’s transcript you want.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2016-11-15 00:00:00
  • 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

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What this form is for

  • Use when you need an official account transcript for a specific year.
  • Do not use for a wage and income transcript; request that on Form 4506‑T.
  • If you need a certified copy of the return itself, file Form 4506.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need wage & income details

Provides transcript of Forms W‑2, 1099, etc.

✓ Verify the transcript type before requesting

Form 4506‑T

Need a certified copy of the filed return

Certified copy, not just a transcript

✓ Check filing fees and processing time

Form 4506

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline for requesting a transcript, but processing can take 3‑6 weeks. Submit well before any external deadline (loan, audit, etc.) that depends on the transcript.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name

Government‑issued ID · Driver’s license or passport

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

SSN/EIN

Social Security card or EIN confirmation letter · IRS notice or prior return

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

Tax year

Prior year return · Copy of filed return

⚠ Wrong year selected✕ Medium
4

Transcript type

Form instructions · List of transcript options

⚠ Selecting wrong type✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form 973.
  2. 2Enter the correct SSN/EIN.
  3. 3Confirm the tax year matches the desired transcript.
  4. 4Select the appropriate transcript type.
  5. 5Sign and date the form.
  6. 6Attach a clear copy of a valid photo ID if required.
  7. 7Check the mailing address for your state.
  8. 8Use sufficient postage and a trackable mailing method.
  9. 9Make a photocopy of the entire packet for your records.
  10. 10Retain the mailing receipt or tracking number.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 973 from irs.gov.
  2. 2Print on white 8.5" x 11" paper.
  3. 3Complete personal info, tax year, and transcript request.
  4. 4Sign and date the form.
  5. 5Attach required ID copy.
  6. 6Place in an envelope with correct IRS address.
  7. 7Mail via USPS certified mail or another trackable service.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not request certified copies of the return; use Form 4506 for that.
  2. 2Processing time is an estimate; delays can occur during peak periods.
  3. 3Only one transcript request per form; multiple years require separate forms.
  4. 4The IRS may reject the request if the ID copy is blurry or missing.

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 973 is currently active for the 2024 tax year. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form shows the current year (2024).
  • Fee – Form 973 has no filing fee; confirm no hidden charges.
  • Mailing address – use the address in the instructions for your state.
  • Signature requirement – must be signed by the taxpayer or authorized representative.
  • Identification – attach a copy of a valid photo ID if requested.

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or an authorized representative) files this form.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, address, tax year, and the type of transcript requested.
File it as soon as you know you need the transcript; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several weeks.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the specific service center handling transcript requests.
Incorrect or missing information can delay the request or cause the IRS to send the transcript to the wrong person, exposing personal data.
1. Download the latest Form 973 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in personal identification, tax year, and transcript type. 3. Sign and date the form. 4. Attach a copy of a valid photo ID if required. 5. Mail to the address in the instructions and keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the mailed copy and receipt for at least three years.
  2. 2Track the mailing status using the tracking number.
  3. 3If no response after 6 weeks, call the IRS Transcript Hotline.
  4. 4When the transcript arrives, verify the tax year and name match your request.
  5. 5Store the transcript securely; it contains sensitive data.
  6. 6Update any external parties (lender, attorney) once you receive the transcript.

Sources

  • SRCForm 973 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCNo fee indicated in Form 973 instructionsIRS fee schedule
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 973 instructions
  • SRCMailing address tableIRS instructions for Form 973
  • SRCProcessing time estimateIRS transcript request FAQ
  • SRCEdition date requirementIRS form revision policy
  • SRCID attachment ruleForm 973 instructions
  • SRCNot found in provided source: exact processing weeks range

Common confusion points

Confusion: Form 973 vs. Form 4506‑T

Both request IRS records but different types

→ Verify whether you need a transcript or wage‑and‑income data

Confusion: Transcript type selection

Options include account, return, wage‑and‑income

→ Review the definitions in the instructions

Confusion: Need for a fee

Form 973 is free, Form 4506 has a fee

→ Check the fee schedule before filing

Confusion: Mailing address

Different service centers for different states

→ Use the address table in the form instructions

Confusion: Signature authority

Only the taxpayer or a Power‑of‑Attorney can sign

→ Ensure the representative has a valid Form 2848 if applicable

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if a representative signs

Current

973

After

Receive transcript, then possibly file Form 1040‑X if corrections are needed

Often used with

Form 4506‑T for wage‑and‑income transcript requests

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File Form 3911 to trace a missing mailing

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

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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