What Form 4506-T Is For
IRS Form 4506-T allows a tax filer to request various types of tax transcripts from the IRS. These transcripts provide basic data from past tax returns, account information, wage and income information, and verification of non-filing for specific tax years. The form is commonly used when a taxpayer needs official IRS documentation for mortgages, financial aid, FAFSA, student loan applications, and other income-based programs.
A tax transcript offers a summarized record of line items from a tax return filed in a prior year. This includes taxable income, filing status, income documents, and account details such as payments or adjustments. Transcripts are free and serve as proof of tax returns submitted or as proof that no return was filed for a given period.
For a detailed breakdown of filing requirements, eligibility rules, and step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive Form 4506-T: Your Guide to Requesting Tax Return Transcripts (2025).
When You’d Use Form 4506-T
A tax filer uses IRS Form 4506-T when a lender, school, or agency needs official IRS verification of a tax return or account information. Mortgage lenders, FAFSA reviewers, and financial aid offices often require a tax return transcript, tax account transcript, income transcript, or wage and income transcript to confirm filing status, taxable income, and the return filed for a specific tax year.
Form 4506-T is also used when transcript online tools are unavailable or when older tax transcripts, a verification of non-filing, or a non-filing letter are required. Taxpayers checking line items, confirming a return filed, or obtaining documents tied to a period requested field may need to request a return transcript, account transcript, or wage and income transcripts for proof and IRS verification.
Key Rules or Details for 2025
For the 2025 tax year, the IRS requires the taxpayer to sign and date the form within 120 days before submitting it by mail or fax. The street address or mailing address must match the one on the most recent return filed; otherwise, the IRS will be unable to process the request. Transcripts are mailed only to the taxpayer’s address of record, including tax transcripts, wage and income transcripts, and verification of non-filing letters.
Each transcript request must use a separate form, and only four years can be listed per page. A return transcript displays basic data and line items from the filed return, while a tax account transcript includes account information and details of processed taxes. Wage and income transcripts list wage data from W-2s and 1099s, and a non-filing letter confirms no return was processed. All identification fields, including social security number and any requested field such as a student ID number, must be complete.
For complete details on wage reporting, withholdings, and unemployment tax filings, see our guide for Individual Credit & Deduction Forms.
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Step 1: Obtain the Form
Visit IRS.gov to download Form 4506-T. The taxpayer may also contact the IRS by phone to request assistance or print the form from the website.
Step 2: Complete the Identification Fields
Enter the taxpayer’s name, social security number, and street address exactly as they appear on the most recent return filed. If requesting a transcript for a joint return, both spouses' names and Social Security numbers must appear as filed initially on the return.
Step 3: Select the Transcript Type
Choose one item from the requested field list. Each transcript type must be requested on a separate form. The available options include:
- A return transcript that summarizes line items from the return filed
- A tax account transcript that shows account information, payments, and processing updates
- A record of accounts combining return and account data
- Wage and income transcripts that show income documents received by the IRS
- A verification of a non-filing letter showing no return was processed
Step 4: Enter the Tax Year
Provide the tax year using the appropriate date format. A taxpayer may request up to four years on a single form as long as only one type of transcript is selected.
Step 5: Complete Additional Fields
Enter the period requested field when applicable. Some institutions require a transcript tied to a specific date period, such as for FAFSA or financial aid reviews. Include the student ID number only if a school requires it and if it helps the institution match documents.
Step 6: Sign and Date the Form
Sign and date the form clearly. The IRS will reject any form that is not signed with a valid signature. The signature must be from the taxpayer whose return is being requested. For joint returns, both spouses must sign the return. The date the form is signed is important because the IRS will only process forms signed within the 120-day timeframe.
Step 7: Submit by Mail or Fax
Locate the correct mailing address or fax number on the IRS website. Submit the form to the appropriate processing center based on the taxpayer’s state of residence. Use the correct fax line, as faxing to the wrong number may delay processing or cause the form to be returned as 'unable to process.'
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many taxpayers choose the wrong transcript type. A return transcript does not show changes made after filing, while a tax account transcript includes those adjustments. A record of accounts is required when both sets of information are needed.
Incomplete forms are often rejected. Missing social security numbers, blank fields, missing checkboxes, or unsigned forms result in delays. Taxpayers should ensure all fields are complete before submitting.
Another standard error involves requesting unavailable years. Taxpayers should confirm availability for the tax year being requested before completing the form.
Learn more about how to avoid business tax problems in our guide on How to File and Avoid Penalties.
What Happens After You File
After the taxpayer submits IRS Form 4506-T, the IRS reviews the identification details, filing status, and line items to verify the request before mailing the transcript to the address on record, usually within ten business days. Once processed, the taxpayer receives the appropriate tax return transcript, tax account transcript, income transcript, wage and income transcript, or verification of non-filing letter.
Suppose the IRS cannot process the request due to an incorrect mailing address, missing information, or an invalid fax number. In that case, the agency sends a letter explaining the issue, allowing the taxpayer to submit a corrected form.
FAQs
What types of transcripts can be requested with Form 4506-T?
A taxpayer may request a return transcript, tax account transcript, record of account, wage and income transcripts, or a verification of non-filing letter.
How many years of transcripts are available?
A return transcript is available for the current year and the three prior years. Other transcript types may be available for up to ten years.
Can a transcript be sent directly to a lender?
The IRS mails transcripts only to the taxpayer’s address of record. Third parties must receive documentation directly from the taxpayer.
How long does processing take?
Most requests are processed within ten business days. Delivery times depend on mail speed and IRS workload.
Can a taxpayer get a transcript online instead?
Yes, if the taxpayer can register and verify their identity through the IRS online tools, an online transcript is often the fastest option.
What if the IRS has no record of a filed return?
A taxpayer may request a verification of non-filing letter to confirm that no return was processed for a specific year.
For more resources on filing or understanding prior-year IRS forms, visit our Form Summaries and Guides Library or see our IRS assistance guide.
