Fillable Form 4506
Request for Copy of Tax Return is a request form used to obtain copies of previously filed tax returns and related tax documents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The form requires specific information about the tax return(s) being requested, including the tax year(s) and the type(s) of return(s) filed.
What is Form 4506?
Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is a legal document used by taxpayers to obtain copies of previously filed tax returns and related tax documents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form can be submitted by individuals, businesses, or organizations, and can be used to request copies of tax returns filed within the past six years.
The purpose of Form 4506 is to provide taxpayers with access to their tax return information, which can be useful in a variety of situations. For example, individuals may need a copy of their tax return to apply for a mortgage, student loan, or other type of loan. Similarly, businesses may need to provide copies of their tax returns to potential investors or lenders.
How do I fill out Form 4506?
Form 4506 requires information such as the tax year of the return being requested, the type of tax return being requested, the taxpayer’s name, social security number or employer identification number, and current mailing address, and the reason for the request.
Line 1a
Enter the name shown on the tax return you are requesting.
Line 1b
Enter the first Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the requested tax return.
Line 2a
If the requested tax return is a joint return, enter your spouse’s name as shown on the return.
Line 2b
Enter the second SSN or TIN on the requested tax return if it was a joint return.
Line 3
Enter your full legal name and your address information (apt./room/suite number, street address, city, state, and ZIP code).
Line 4
If a different address was written for the requested form, enter that address.
Line 5
If the tax return is to be mailed to a third party, enter that third party’s name, address information, and telephone number.
Line 6
Enter the number of the tax return(s) you are requesting. Then, if the copies must be certified for use in court or administrative proceedings, check the box provided.
Line 7
Enter the ending date of the year or period of the requested tax returns in mm/dd/yyyy format. If you are requesting more than eight years or periods, you must attach another Form 4506.
Line 8
Note that each return requested will have a $50 fee.
Line 8a
In this line, you will generally have to enter $50. Make sure to check if there are any extra fees or deductions to the fee that may apply for you.
Line 8b
Enter the number of returns requested on Line 7.
Line 8c
Enter the product of Line 8a and 8b.
Line 9
A refund of the above fee will be given if the return requested cannot be found. Check the box provided if you wish for the refunded fee to go to the third party indicated on Line 5.
Signature
Check the box to indicate that you have the authority to sign Form 4506, then sign the form in the space provided.
Date
Enter the date that the form was signed.
Phone Number of Taxpayer on Line 1a or 2a
Enter the primary phone number of either taxpayer on Line 1a or 2a.
Title
If Line 1a above is a corporation, partnership, estate, or trust, enter the title of the person signing this form within said organization.
Spouse’s Signature
If the requested form is a joint return, have your spouse sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that they signed the form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far back can you request copies of tax returns using Form 4506?
Taxpayers can request copies of tax returns filed within the past six years using Form 4506. If tax returns beyond the past six years are needed, the taxpayer may need to request them using a different form, such as Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ.
Can you request other types of tax documents using Form 4506?
Yes. There are a large variety of different documents that Form 4506 can be used to request for, so make sure to check with the IRS to ensure that you can use Form 4506 to request for a copy of the form that you need.
How long does it take for the IRS to process Form 4506?
Generally, the IRS estimates that it takes approximately 75 calendar days to process a request for a copy of a tax return using Form 4506.
Can I expedite the processing of my request?
Yes. Taxpayers can request expedited processing using Form 4506-T, which can shorten the processing time to 10 business days for a fee. Additionally, taxpayers can request copies of transcripts of previously filed tax returns using Form 4506-T, which typically have a shorter processing time of 5 to 10 business days.
Can you request copies of tax returns for someone else using Form 4506?
Yes. However, in order to do so, the requester must have a valid power of attorney or other authorization to act on behalf of the taxpayer. This authorization can take the form of a written statement signed by the taxpayer that designates the requester as their representative, or it can be established through a court order.
How do I request tax transcripts for a deceased person?
To request tax transcripts for a deceased person, you will need to submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, to the IRS. In addition to Form 4506-T, you will also need to provide a copy of the death certificate and proof of your authority to act on behalf of the deceased person's estate, such as a court order or letter of administration. The IRS will review your request and provide the tax transcripts if they are available.
Can I request a tax transcript if I am a nonresident alien?
Yes. If you are a nonresident alien, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS by completing and submitting Form 4506-T. If you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN, you can still request a transcript by filling out Form 4506-T and writing "NRA" (nonresident alien) in the space for the Social Security Number. You will also need to provide a copy of your passport or other government-issued identification with your request.
What is the difference between a tax return and a tax transcript?
A tax return is the original document that a taxpayer submits to the IRS reporting their income, deductions, credits, and taxes owed or refunded for a specific tax year. A tax transcript, on the other hand, is a summary of the taxpayer's tax return information that the IRS maintains in its records. The former is signed and submitted by taxpayers, while the latter is a record that exists within the IRS’s system.
Can you submit Form 4506 online?
Yes, it is possible to submit Form 4506 online through the IRS's "Get Transcript" service. Note, however, that this service is not always available, so make sure to check beforehand before trying to submit the Form through this method.
Can you request a transcript of your tax return online using the Get Transcript service instead of Form 4506?
Yes. Again, however, this service is not always available, so make sure to check beforehand. It may still be beneficial to file a Form 4506 anyway.
Can you request copies of tax returns from previous spouses using Form 4506?
Yes. However, the requester must have a valid reason for requesting the copies, such as for use in a legal proceeding or for preparing their own tax return. The requester must also provide the IRS with the necessary identifying information for the spouse whose returns they are requesting. The consent of the ex-spouse may also be required for the copies of the returns to be released to you.
How do you correct errors on Form 4506?
In the case of minor errors, simply contacting the IRS directly by phone or mail and providing the corrected information alongside the original form with the mistake and proof of your identity will be enough. For major errors, however, you may need to file an amended tax return or file a new Form 4506 with the corrected information.
How long do you have to keep copies of tax returns obtained using Form 4506?
The IRS generally recommends that taxpayers keep copies of their tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years from the date of filing or the due date of the tax return, whichever is later. Of course, it is also highly recommended that copies of previous tax returns are kept for even longer than that.
Can you request copies of tax returns if you have moved to a different state?
Yes, you can request copies of tax returns using Form 4506 regardless of where you currently reside.
Can you request copies of tax returns if you are outside of the United States?
Yes. You will need to do this through mail or online services. Expect for the processing to take much longer due to your being outside of the country, though.