What is Form 4506, Tax Return Copy Request?
To obtain copies of previously filed tax returns and tax information from the IRS, taxpayers must complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Tax returns, refunds, government benefits, federal student aid, loan applications, and IRS audits may require copies.
Full-tax returns cost money. A free transcript—a shortened return information printout—may be enough for some taxpayers.
Who Can File Form 4506, Tax Return Copy Request?
Form 4506, Seek a Copy of Tax Return, allows taxpayers to seek copies of past tax returns. You can also send a copy to someone else. Mortgage lenders may check your IRS income. If you sign and file Form 4506, the IRS will give your lender a copy of your tax return.
File Form 4506, Request for Tax Return Copy
When a tax return must be copied exactly, file Form 4506 and request various tax returns, such as Form 1040 for individuals, Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, and Form 1041 for estates or trusts. Complete and mail Form 4506 to the IRS at the address on the form.
Each proposed tax period costs $43. Copies of current and six-year returns are frequently available.
Download Form 4506, Request Tax Return Copy
Form 4506 is available on the IRS website in all versions.
The IRS delivers copies and processes requests in 75 days.
Other Relevant Forms
Other 4506 forms include Form 4506-T, Request for Tax Return Transcript, and Form 4506-T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. A transcript—a printout without attachments—of a previously filed tax return is available.
Download, complete, and mail Form 4506-T to get a tax return transcript.
You can file Form 4506-T along with Form W-2 and 1099 information to obtain a tax return or account transcript. Only Form 1040, Form 1120, and Form 1065 tax return transcripts are accessible for the current and preceding three tax years. If you register online with the IRS, you can get it immediately and for free.
You can use the streamlined Form 4506-T-EZ to request a free copy of your 1040 series tax return transcript.
An income tax return transcript is a computerized printout of your return information. The document displays filing dates, status, dependents, adjusted gross income, and tax liability. Though shorter than a complete copy with all attachments, the transcript shows most line items from your return as submitted. It doesn’t show post-return modifications.
Use the IRS’s online Get Transcript feature for urgent tax information, or call 1-800-908-9946 for a free transcript. USCIS, student loan and mortgage lending organizations, and other third parties verifying taxpayer income accept transcripts instead of precise copies of returns. The tax return transcript was established to meet mortgage lenders’ tax return requirements.
The new IRS transcript format safeguards against identity theft and fraud in 2019. For instance, only the last four digits of your SSN and phone number are accessible. Taxpayers’ listed addresses will receive any unmasked versions they request in the mail.
Form 4506: Special Considerations
Paper-filing Form 4506 allows either spouse to seek copies and transcripts of jointly filed tax returns, with only one signature needed. Request a transcript online from the primary or secondary spouse on a joint return. Only the return’s primary taxpayer can request a transcript by mail or phone.
What are IRS Forms 4506 and 4506-T?
IRS Form 4506 allows taxpayers to obtain an exact duplicate of a previously filed return and tax information. To get free transcripts of previously filed tax returns, use Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ.
What Time Do I Get Documents After Filing Form 4506 or 4506-T?
The IRS website’s “Get Transcript” option lets you download forms immediately. A mail-order transcript might take 5–10 days to reach your IRS address. Requesting an identical duplicate of your tax return via Form 4506 can take up to 75 days.
Are Transcripts Enough for My Mortgage Lender?
Mortgage lending organizations can substitute transcripts for actual returns. They were designed to give mortgage lenders access to debtors’ tax returns.
Why Does My Lender Want Form 4506-T?
Lenders may request Form 4506-T for mortgage applications. Your tax return transcript can be obtained straight from the IRS. They verify the additional income documentation you provided during the loan application.
Conclusion
- Taxpayers seek identical copies of tax returns and information using Form 4506.
- Depending on the form, you can request various tax returns for six years or more.
- A copy of your return costs $43.
- Free transcripts of previously filed tax returns are available on Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ.
