Form 4506 requests a copy of a filed tax return and its attachments. The April 2025 edition charges $30 for each return requested. If the organization asking for your records can use a transcript, IRS Topic 156 identifies that as a free alternative.
Who should use Form 4506?
Use this form when you need the return itself, including attachments originally submitted to the IRS. Line 6 also has a box for copies that must be certified for court or administrative proceedings. A request for a fraudulent return filed using your identity follows the separate Form 4506-F procedure described in IRS Topic 156.
You can name a third-party recipient on line 5. Complete that recipient’s information, the return type and the periods before signing. The instructions say that copies of individual Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ are generally available for seven years from filing; other return types may be retained longer.
How to complete lines 1 through 9
Use the names and taxpayer identification numbers from the return. For a joint return, put the first-listed taxpayer on line 1 and the spouse on line 2. The marked areas show the recipient, return selection, periods and payment fields.
| Line | What to enter | Detail that affects the request |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | The taxpayer names and SSNs, ITINs or business EIN as applicable. | A Form 1040 with Schedule C still uses the individual’s SSN. |
| 3–4 | Your current address, then the last return’s address if different. | If the change has not been reported, the instructions require Form 8822 or business Form 8822-B with the request. |
| 5 | The recipient’s name, address and telephone number if sending the copy to someone else. | Complete this before signing a third-party request. |
| 6 | One return form number, such as 1040 or 941. | A different return type requires a separate Form 4506. Check the certification box if needed. |
| 7 | Each requested period’s ending date in mm/dd/yyyy format. | List each quarter separately for quarterly returns. |
| 8a–8c | $30 per return, the number requested and their multiplied total. | Full payment must accompany the form. |
| 9 | Check only if an unavailable-return refund should go to the line 5 recipient. | The IRS refunds the fee when it cannot locate the return. |
Payment and signatures before mailing
Pay by check or money order to United States Treasury. Include your SSN, ITIN or EIN and the words Form 4506 request on the payment. Line 8 warns that a request without full payment will be rejected. Topic 156 describes a fee waiver for certain federally declared disaster requests, including copies needed for disaster-related benefits or amended returns claiming disaster losses; follow that guidance if it applies.
Check the authority box in the signature area. The IRS says it will return an unprocessed form when that box is left unchecked. Either spouse may sign for a jointly filed return. Sign as your name appeared on the return and also use your current name if it changed.
Requests for entities other than individuals require an authorization document. A representative signing for the taxpayer needs specific delegated authority on Form 2848 line 5a and must attach that form. An executor or trustee should use the documentation instructions on page 2 to establish authority to receive the records.
Where to send it and how long it takes
The IRS must receive the signed request within 120 days of its signature date. The April 2025 instructions allow up to 75 calendar days for processing; that is not a guaranteed delivery date.
Mail the form and payment using the page 2 address chart for the state where you lived, or the business was located, when the return was filed. There are separate charts for Form 1040-series returns and all other returns. If requested years point to different destinations, use the address from the most recent return to select the destination.
Download the two-page PDF below so you have the correct chart as well as the request page. Do not send it to the Tax Forms and Publications Division address printed for comments about the form.