Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return

Form 4506 is generally used to request a copy of a previously filed federal tax return and certain related tax information.

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Introduction

Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is a federal tax form generally used by taxpayers to request a copy of a previously filed tax return. The form provides information needed to identify the taxpayer, the requested tax return, and the period for which a copy is being requested.

This guide provides general information about Form 4506, including who may use the form, the information commonly needed, and the basic process for completing it. The information is intended to provide a simple overview of Form 4506 and its general purpose.

What Is Form 4506?

Form 4506 is generally used to request a copy of a previously filed federal tax return. A taxpayer may use the form when a complete copy of a prior tax return is needed for recordkeeping, financial, legal, tax, or other applicable purposes.

Form 4506 generally requires information identifying the taxpayer, the type of tax return being requested, the tax period, and other applicable request information. The specific information needed can depend on the type of return and the circumstances of the request.

Who Uses Form 4506?

Form 4506 is generally used by taxpayers who need to request a copy of a previously filed federal tax return. Individuals, businesses, trusts, estates, and other taxpayers may use the form when applicable.

A request may also involve an authorized representative or other person permitted to request tax information on behalf of a taxpayer. The applicable requirements can depend on the taxpayer, type of return, tax period, and circumstances of the request.

What Information Is Needed?

The information needed to complete Form 4506 generally comes from the taxpayer’s tax records, previously filed tax returns, account records, and other supporting documentation. Accurate information can help identify the correct tax return and tax period.

Common information includes:

Taxpayer name
Current address
Previous address when applicable
Taxpayer identification number
Social Security number or employer identification number when applicable
Type of tax return requested
Tax period requested
Number of copies requested
Name and address for delivery when applicable
Applicable authorization information
Payment information when required
Supporting tax records

The specific information required may depend on the type of taxpayer, tax return, tax period, request, and other applicable circumstances.

How to Fill Out/Complete Form 4506

Form 4506 is generally completed by identifying the taxpayer, providing the applicable tax return information, identifying the requested tax period, providing delivery information when required, and reviewing the request before submission.

The basic process is to gather the taxpayer’s identifying information, identify the type of tax return and tax period being requested, provide the applicable delivery information, complete any required authorization or signature information, review the request, and submit Form 4506 according to the applicable requirements. Taxpayers should retain a copy of the completed request and supporting records.

Section 1

Enter the taxpayer’s identifying information. This generally includes the taxpayer’s name, taxpayer identification number, current address, and other applicable identifying information.

The information should generally agree with the taxpayer’s records and the information associated with the requested tax return. Taxpayers should review the identifying information carefully before submitting the request.

Section 2

Enter the taxpayer’s previous address when applicable. This information may be needed when the address on the requested tax return is different from the taxpayer’s current address.

The address information should generally match the information associated with the tax return being requested. Taxpayers should provide applicable previous address information when required.

Section 3

Identify the type of tax return being requested. This generally includes identifying the specific federal tax return for which a copy is being requested.

The requested return should generally be identified accurately to help ensure that the appropriate tax return is requested. Taxpayers should review their prior tax records when determining the type of return.

Section 4

Enter the tax period or periods for which copies are being requested. This generally includes identifying the applicable year or period associated with the requested tax return.

The requested tax period should generally agree with the taxpayer’s records. Taxpayers should verify the applicable period before submitting Form 4506.

Section 5

Enter applicable delivery or recipient information when required. This may include the name and address where the requested tax return should be sent.

The delivery information should generally be reviewed carefully to help ensure that the requested records are directed to the appropriate recipient. Taxpayers should use accurate and current delivery information when applicable.

Section 6

Enter the number of copies requested and other applicable request information. The request should generally identify how many copies of the applicable tax return are needed.

Taxpayers should review the requested number of copies and other applicable information before submitting the form. Supporting records should be retained with the request.

Section 7

Complete any applicable payment information or other required request information. Certain requests may involve a fee or other applicable submission requirements.

The taxpayer should review the applicable requirements associated with the requested tax return and number of copies. Any required payment or supporting information should generally be included according to the applicable instructions.

Section 8

Complete the signature and authorization information. The taxpayer or other authorized person generally signs the request when required.

The person signing the form should generally have the appropriate authority to make the request. The signature and authorization information should be reviewed before the form is submitted.

Final Review

Review Form 4506 after completing all applicable sections. Check the taxpayer information, taxpayer identification number, current and previous address information, type of tax return, requested tax period, number of copies, delivery information, payment information, and signature.

A final review can help identify incorrect or incomplete information before the request is submitted. Taxpayers should retain Form 4506, supporting tax records, payment records, and other documentation associated with the request.

Common Mistakes

Common Form 4506 mistakes may include entering incorrect taxpayer information, using an incorrect taxpayer identification number, or requesting the wrong tax return or tax period. Errors involving current or previous addresses can also affect the processing of the request.

Other mistakes may include requesting an incorrect number of copies, providing incomplete delivery information, overlooking applicable payment requirements, failing to provide required authorization, or submitting the request without reviewing it. Comparing Form 4506 with prior tax returns and taxpayer records before submission can help identify potential errors.

Related IRS Forms

Taxpayers may encounter additional federal tax forms when requesting tax records, transcripts, or other tax information. Different forms are generally used for different types of tax record requests.

Common related forms include:

Form 4506-T for requesting a transcript of a tax return or other tax information
Form 4506-T-EZ for certain individual transcript requests
Form 8821 for authorizing the release of tax information to a designated person
Form 2848 for certain powers of attorney and representative authorization
Form 1040 for individual federal income tax reporting
Form 1120 for certain corporate federal income tax reporting
Form 1065 for partnership federal income tax reporting

The appropriate form depends on the type of tax record or information being requested and the taxpayer’s specific circumstances.

Where to File or Submit

Form 4506 is generally submitted according to the filing and processing requirements that apply to the tax return copy being requested. The applicable submission method can depend on the type of return, tax period, taxpayer, and other circumstances.

Taxpayers should review the applicable submission requirements before sending Form 4506. A copy of the completed request, payment records when applicable, and supporting tax records should generally be retained for the taxpayer’s files.

Current IRS Form & Instructions

Taxpayers should use the applicable version of Form 4506 and its instructions when requesting a copy of a previously filed tax return. Federal forms and requirements can change, so the version used should correspond with the applicable request and circumstances.

Before submitting Form 4506, review the form and applicable instructions and confirm that the taxpayer information, requested tax return, tax period, delivery information, payment information, and signature are accurate. This can help reduce errors in the request.

Important Information / Disclaimer

This Form 4506 guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to provide a basic overview of Form 4506 and common information associated with requesting copies of previously filed tax returns. This information is not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice, and Form 4506 requirements can vary depending on the taxpayer, type of tax return, tax period, request, and other applicable circumstances.

Taxpayers and authorized representatives are responsible for determining their applicable tax record request, authorization, payment, filing, and recordkeeping requirements. The information on this page may not cover every situation, exception, or special rule that may apply. When appropriate, taxpayers should consider seeking assistance from a qualified tax professional or other qualified advisor regarding their specific tax record request or Form 4506 requirements.