Form 4506

Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return) is an IRS form used to request an exact copy of a previously filed tax return, including all attachments, schedules, and forms submitted with the original return. Unlike Form 4506-T which provides free transcripts (summaries of tax information), Form 4506 provides photocopies of the actual returns as filed and costs $43 per tax year requested. These copies show the complete return exactly as submitted to the IRS, including signatures.

Form 4506 is typically needed in limited circumstances including legal proceedings requiring authenticated copies of filed returns, situations where you need to verify exact figures from returns you no longer have, certain business transactions requiring complete return documentation, and cases where transcripts don’t provide sufficient detail or verification. For most routine purposes such as mortgage applications, student loans, or income verification, free transcripts obtained through Form 4506-T are sufficient and preferred.

To complete Form 4506, provide your name exactly as shown on the return, Social Security Number or EIN, current address, address shown on the last return filed if different from current, tax form number (1040, 1120, etc.), specific tax years or periods requested (you can request up to eight years on one form), and payment of $43 per tax year. Payment can be made by check, money order, or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Both spouses must sign for joint returns.

Processing time for Form 4506 is typically 75 days from the date the IRS receives your request, significantly longer than transcript requests which take 5-10 days. The IRS mails copies to the address shown on the form. Copies are generally available for returns filed within the past seven years, though availability may vary.

Before paying $43 per return, verify that an actual copy is truly needed rather than a free transcript. Most lenders, financial institutions, and government agencies accept transcripts, making Form 4506 necessary only in specific situations requiring exact copies of filed returns with all attachments and schedules.