Form 4506 is the IRS form taxpayers use to request an exact, certified copy of a previously filed tax return (for example, a Form 1040, 1120, 1065, or 1041) and any attachments that were filed with it. Exact copies include all schedules, attachments and forms that accompanied the original return. Use Form 4506 when you need a full paper copy rather than a shortened computer transcript.
Key takeaways
– Form 4506 requests exact copies of previously filed returns (including attachments). There is a processing fee (currently $43 per tax period) and longer processing time than transcripts. (Check the current IRS instructions for the latest fee.)
– If you don’t need attachments, a free tax return transcript (Form 4506‑T or 4506‑T‑EZ or Get Transcript online) is usually faster and accepted by many third parties such as mortgage lenders.
– Copies are generally available for recent years (typically the current year plus the prior six years); transcripts are available for fewer years but are free and often immediately available online.
Who can file Form 4506?
– The taxpayer whose name is on the return.
– Either spouse may request a copy of a joint return when filing by paper (one signature required). Online transcript requests may be made by either primary or secondary taxpayer if properly authenticated.
– You may request a copy to be mailed directly to a third party (for example, a mortgage lender), but you as the taxpayer must sign the form to authorize the release.
– Authorized representatives may request copies if they have a valid power of attorney (Form 2848) on file with the IRS.
Common reasons to request a full copy
– To amend a prior-year tax return.
– To provide full documentation for an audit, refund claim, loan or benefit application.
– To verify details for student aid, immigration, or other official uses that require exact copies rather than transcripts.
How to decide: copy (Form 4506) vs transcript (Form 4506‑T / 4506‑T‑EZ / Get Transcript)
– Choose Form 4506 (copy) if you need attachments, schedules, or a certified exact copy. There is a per-return fee and slower processing (up to 75 calendar days).
– Choose Form 4506‑T, 4506‑T‑EZ, or the IRS Get Transcript tool if you only need the return information (line items, income, filing status, etc.)—these are free and much faster (online access can be immediate; mailed transcripts typically arrive in 5–10 calendar days).
– Mortgage lenders, student loan servicers, and many official agencies accept transcripts; verify with the requesting party whether a transcript suffices before paying for Form 4506.
How to file Form 4506 — step-by-step practical steps
1. Decide which document you need:
• Exact copy (Form 4506) → pay fee; attachments included.
• Transcript (Form 4506‑T / 4506‑T‑EZ or Get Transcript) → free; attachments not included.
2. Download the correct form and current instructions:
• Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return):
• Form 4506‑T (Request for Transcript):
• Form 4506‑T‑EZ (short transcript request)
3. Complete the form (Form 4506 highlights):
• Provide taxpayer name, current address, Social Security number (or EIN), and the name shown on the return.
• Specify return type (1040, 1120, etc.) and the tax years or periods requested.
• If you want the copy sent to a third party, provide the third party’s name and address and check the appropriate box on the form.
• Sign and date the form. For copies of joint returns mailed on paper, one spouse’s signature is sufficient (follow current form instructions for signature rules).
• Enclose the required fee (check or money order) if requesting a copy (verify current fee amount on the IRS instructions).
4. Mail the form and fee to the correct IRS address:
• The mailing address depends on the state/location and is listed in the form instructions. (Do not mail to the IRS service center shown on a prior return unless instructed.) Confirm the correct mailing address in the form’s instructions before sending.
5. Wait and follow up:
• Form 4506 requests can take up to about 75 calendar days to process and deliver. (Transcripts via Get Transcript online can be immediate; mailed transcripts typically 5–10 days.)
• If the return isn’t received in the expected timeframe, contact the IRS at the phone number in the form instructions or check the IRS “Where’s My Transcript?” tools for transcripts.
Download Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
– Official IRS Form 4506 page and PDF
Important (fees, timing, availability)
– Fee: There is a fee for copies requested via Form 4506 (investopedia and IRS instructions have shown $43 per tax period in recent guidance). Fees and procedures can change—always confirm the current fee on the IRS form instructions.
– Processing time: Allow up to 75 calendar days for a full copy requested on Form 4506. Transcripts via mail usually arrive in 5–10 calendar days; online transcripts can be immediate.
– Availability: Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current year and the previous six years, though availability depends on IRS records. Transcripts are available for a limited number of recent years (check the 4506‑T instructions for specifics).
Other relevant forms and tools
– Form 4506‑T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return — free transcript of most return line items (no attachments).
– Form 4506‑T‑EZ — short form for certain individual tax return transcripts.
– IRS Get Transcript online — immediate access to transcripts if you can authenticate your identity.
– Form 2848 — power of attorney if you’re authorizing someone else to act for you.
Fast fact
– The tax return transcript was created to satisfy mortgage lenders’ requests for borrower tax return information; in many lending situations a transcript (Form 4506‑T) is sufficient and avoids the fee and long wait time of a full copy.
Special considerations when filing Form 4506
– Joint returns: When mailing Form 4506, one spouse’s signature is generally sufficient to request a copy of a joint return. For transcripts, rules differ by request method (online vs mail/phone). Check the form instructions for the latest rules.
– Third-party requests: You may authorize the IRS to send a copy or transcript directly to a third party (for example, a lender). Be aware the taxpayer must sign to authorize release. Some third parties prefer you sign a 4506‑T so they can independently receive a transcript.
– Authorized representatives: A properly executed power of attorney (Form 2848) can allow an authorized representative to request a return or transcript on your behalf.
– Identity protection and masked transcripts: The IRS’s new transcript formats mask portions of SSNs and phone numbers to help prevent identity theft. Unmasked versions are available only by mail to the address of record.
– Older returns: If you need returns older than the usual available years, contact the IRS for guidance; availability depends on IRS record retention and electronic systems.
How long does it take to receive documents after filing Form 4506 or 4506‑T?
– Form 4506 (exact copy): up to about 75 calendar days for processing and delivery (subject to IRS staffing and mail delays).
– Form 4506‑T (transcript): online Get Transcript—immediate (if you can authenticate); by phone/mail—typically 5–10 calendar days for mailed transcripts.
Is a transcript sufficient for my mortgage lender?
– Often yes. Many mortgage lenders accept a tax return transcript (Form 4506‑T) to verify income because it shows most line items on the return without attachments. Transcripts were created largely to meet lender needs. Always confirm with the lender whether they require a full copy (Form 4506) or will accept a transcript.
Why does my lender want a Form 4506‑T?
– Lenders request Form 4506‑T so they can independently obtain an IRS transcript to verify the income and return information you provided on your loan application. It helps lenders confirm income, filing status and other reported items and reduces fraud risk.
Sources and where to get help
– IRS — About Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return:
– IRS — Form 4506‑T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return:
– IRS — 4506‑T‑EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript:
– IRS — Topic No. 156, Copy or Transcript of Your Tax Return – How to Get One:
– IRS — Get Transcript:
– Investopedia — What Is Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return? (overview and practical comparison)
Final practical checklist before you send a Form 4506
– Confirm you need an exact copy (attachments) vs a transcript.
– Download the current Form 4506 and instructions from IRS.gov.
– Fill in accurate taxpayer information, tax years, and recipient address.
– Include the correct fee (check IRS instructions for the current amount).
– Sign and date the form (and include any POA if applicable).
– Mail to the IRS address listed in the form instructions for your state.
– Allow up to 75 days for delivery of a full copy, or use Get Transcript for faster transcript access.
– Link you directly to the current Form 4506 PDF and the correct mailing address based on your state, or
– Help you determine whether a transcript is likely to be accepted by your lender or agency (if you can tell me what they’re asking for).