IRS Form 4506 “Request for Copy of Tax Return” Explained

IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is used to order an exact copy of a tax return you previously filed, including the attachments like Forms W-2 that you sent with a paper return. It’s different from a tax return transcript, a free computer printout of most line items, which you request with Form 4506-T or online.

Copy or Transcript: Which Do You Need?

• Transcript (free): enough for most purposes, including many mortgage applications, student aid and checking prior-year income. Get it instantly through IRS Get Transcript online, or request it by mail with Form 4506-T (or Form 4506-T-EZ for individuals).
• Exact copy (fee): needed when you want the complete filed return with all schedules and attachments, for example for a court proceeding, an estate, an audit, or to reconstruct records. Request it with Form 4506.

Key Facts About Form 4506

• Fee: the IRS charges a fee for each return requested. Form 4506 lists it as $30 per return, but confirm the amount on the current form. Full payment must be included, or the request is rejected. The fee may be waived for people in federally declared disaster areas.
• Processing time: up to 75 calendar days.
• How far back: generally the current year and the previous six years. Copies usually aren’t available until several weeks after the return was processed.
• Third parties: you can have the copy sent to someone else, such as a lender or your CPA, on line 5. In that case the IRS must receive the form within 120 days of the date you signed it.
• Who signs: for a joint return, either spouse can sign. For a business, an officer or other authorized person signs.

How to Complete and Submit Form 4506

1. Enter the name and SSN or EIN exactly as shown on the return.
2. Enter your current address and the address shown on the return, if it’s different.
3. List the tax form number (for example, 1040, 1120 or 1065) and the tax years requested.
4. Include the fee for each return, payable to “United States Treasury.”
5. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address in the instructions for the state you lived in when the return was filed.

Tips

• If you only need income figures, use Get Transcript first. It’s faster and free.
• If you need W-2 or 1099 information that was reported to the IRS, a free wage and income transcript may be all you need.
• If you’re working with a tax professional, they can often get transcripts directly with your authorization (Form 2848 or Form 8821).

Get Help From Diehl CPA

IRS collection and appeal procedures have strict deadlines, and what you submit becomes part of the record. Diehl CPA, led by Mark Diehl, CPA, CFE, represents taxpayers before the IRS and can prepare the forms, gather the documentation, and deal with the IRS for you. Learn about our tax relief services or contact us to talk through your situation.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice for your specific situation. Updated October 2026.