Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return (2025) — Complete, Plain-English Guide

Misplaced a return? Need the exact paperwork (with W-2s/1099s and schedules) you filed? Form 4506 gets you an actual copy of your tax return from the IRS. (Transcripts are summaries; Form 4506 provides the full package.)

What Form 4506 Is For

• Purpose: Obtain an exact photocopy of a previously filed return with all attachments (W-2s, 1099s, schedules).
• Who can request: You, your spouse (for a joint return), or an authorized representative for a business/estate/trust.
• Send to a third party: You can direct the IRS to mail it to a lender, attorney, etc., by completing Line 5.

If a summary suffices (for income verification or line-item figures), use Form 4506-T or your IRS Online Account instead—free and faster.

When You’d Use It

• Mortgage/loan underwriting that requires full return copies
• Legal matters needing certified copies
• Disaster/theft record reconstruction
• Resolving disputes where you must show exactly what you filed
• Verifying amended or late filings (allow time for IRS archiving before it’s available)

Key Rules for 2025 (Know These Before You Mail)

Fees & Payment

• $30 per tax return copy (no exceptions)
• Pay by check/money order to “United States Treasury”
• Write your SSN/ITIN/EIN and “Form 4506 request” on the payment
• Refund only if the IRS cannot locate your return

Signature Validity

• Your signed Form 4506 must reach the IRS within 120 days of the signature date (or it’s rejected)

Processing Time

• Up to 75 calendar days after the IRS receives your request
  (Disaster victims may receive expedited, no-fee service)

Availability Window

• Individual returns (1040 series): generally current year + 7 prior years
• Some business returns are retained longer

One Form Type per Request

• One form type per 4506 (e.g., all 1040s on one request; 941s on a separate request)
• You may list up to 8 periods for the same form type on one 4506

Step-By-Step (High Level)

1. Gather info
   • Name(s) and TIN(s) exactly as filed
   • Current address (Line 3) and prior filing address (Line 4), if different
   • Form type (Line 6) and tax period end dates (Line 7, mm/dd/yyyy)
   • Third-party recipient info (Line 5), if applicable
2. Complete the form
   • Lines 1–4: Taxpayer and address details (match what was filed)
   • Line 5: Third-party mailing details (optional)
   • Line 6: Enter the return form number (e.g., 1040, 1120, 941).
     • Check the “certified copy” box if you need a court-ready document.
   • Line 7: List each tax year/period (e.g., 12/31/2023)
   • Line 8: Calculate the total fee: $30 × number of returns
3. Sign & attest
   • Sign and date (one spouse signature is sufficient for joint returns)
   • Check the authority box in the signature area (required)
   • Ensure the IRS receives it within 120 days of your signature
4. Mail with payment
   • Use the state/return-type specific address in the form’s instructions
   • Keep a copy; consider certified mail for tracking

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

• Expired signature (over 120 days old) → Sign and mail immediately
• Missing attestation box in signature area → Check it or request is rejected
• Wrong address (there are multiple RAIVS addresses) → Use the chart in the current 4506
• Wrong date format on Line 7 → Use mm/dd/yyyy (e.g., 12/31/2022)
• No/incorrect payment → Include exact fee and mark your check with TIN + “Form 4506 request”
• Requesting unavailable years → Confirm you’re within current + 7 prior (individual)
• Mixing form types (1040 + 941 on one 4506) → Submit separate 4506s

What Happens After You File

1. Intake & validation: IRS verifies completeness, payment, and signature currency (≤120 days).
2. Archive retrieval: Staff locate your exact filed return and attachments.
3. Copying & mailing: The IRS mails the copies to you or the third party on Line 5
   (Certified copies include an official stamp/seal).
4. If not found: IRS sends a letter and refunds your fee.

There’s no online tracking. If nothing arrives after 75 days, call 800-908-9946.

Quick Decision Guide: Transcript vs. Copy

• Use a FREE transcript (Form 4506-T or IRS Online Account) if you need:
  • AGI, filing status, dependents, income items, and most line entries
• Use Form 4506 (paid copy) if you need:
  • Exact filed return with W-2s/1099s/schedules
  • Certified copy for court/administrative proceedings
  • Proof you included a specific attachment or handwritten notes

Mini Example (Filled-Out Highlights)

• Line 6: Form 1040  (✓ Certified copy if needed)
• Line 7: 12/31/2023; 12/31/2022
• Line 8a: $30 8b: 2 8c: $60
• Signature: Jane Q. Taxpayer (checked authority box), dated today
• Mail to: Address from the “Where to File” chart for 1040 requests in your state

FAQs

Can I rush the request?
Not for routine requests. Only federally declared disaster victims receive expedited, no-fee processing (call 866-562-5227).

Will my copy show later IRS changes?
No. It’s the as-filed return. For adjustments made after filing, request a tax account transcript.

Do both spouses sign for a joint return?
Only one spouse needs to sign (ensure authority box is checked).

Can I email or e-file Form 4506?
No. Paper mail only (with payment). Use the address chart in the current form.

How many years per form?
Up to 8 periods per 4506—but they must all be the same form type.

Official Resources

• IRS “About Form 4506” (latest revision & addresses): irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506
• Download the current form: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf
• Free transcripts (often sufficient): Form 4506-T or your IRS Online Account

Tip: If you’re on a deadline (e.g., mortgage), request copies at least 10–12 weeks ahead, and ask your lender whether a free transcript will suffice to save time and money.

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