Form 4506: Request a Copy of a Tax Return

Sometimes you need an exact copy of a tax return you already filed. A lender, a school, or a benefits office may ask for one. Form 4506 is the IRS form for that request. It can also name a third party to receive the copy. This guide is general information, not advice about your own return.

Copy or transcript?

Form 4506 asks for a copy of the return. A transcript is different. The IRS says a transcript shows most of the line items from your return, and it is not a photocopy. The IRS also says to use its Get Transcript service when you do not need an actual copy of your original return. See our guide to Form 4506-T for the transcript form, and what a tax transcript is for more detail.

What the form asks for

Lines 1a and 1b: the name shown on the return, and the first social security number or taxpayer number on it.
Lines 2a and 2b: the spouse's name and number, if the return was a joint return.
Line 3: your current name and address.
Line 4: your previous address, if it is different from line 3.
Lines 5 through 7: the name, address, and telephone number of a third party, if the copy goes to someone else, such as a mortgage company.
Line 6: the form and tax year you want. A box on this line is for copies that must be certified for court or administrative proceedings.

Sign only when the form is complete

The form says not to sign it unless all the applicable lines are complete. It also says the request may be rejected if it is incomplete or hard to read. Check each number and name against your old return. If the copy will go to a third party, complete lines 5 through 7 before you sign.

How long the IRS keeps copies

The form notes that copies of Forms 1040 are generally available for 7 years from the filing date. After that, they may be destroyed as the law requires. If you need an older return, ask early, and keep your own copies. See our guide to how long to keep tax records.

Sending the copy to someone else

Form 4506 can name a third party to receive the copy, such as a mortgage company or a lender. Name only someone who needs the copy for a purpose you have approved. That person will see your return, including your income and your family details. Check the name and address before you sign.

Certified copies

Some uses, such as a court case, need a certified copy. Check the certification box on line 6 only when your situation calls for it. Read the form and its instructions before you check it.

Before you send it

Use the names and numbers exactly as they appeared on the return.
Confirm the form and the tax year you want.
Complete lines 5 through 7 if a third party will receive the copy.
Sign the form, and keep a copy for your records.

What a transcript can show

The IRS offers several transcript types. A tax return transcript shows most line items from your original return, including adjusted gross income. A tax account transcript shows return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, taxable income, and payment types. A record of account transcript combines the two. A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns such as Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098. A verification of non-filing shows whether a return was filed.

Next steps

Decide whether you need a copy or a transcript. If you need a copy, gather your return details, complete the form, and keep a copy of what you send.

Upload your documents and answer a few simple questions. Your preparer reviews every deduction and credit and lets you know when your return is ready to sign.

Sources: Sources: IRS, Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return (Rev. April 2025) (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf); IRS, About Form 4506 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506); IRS, Get Transcript (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) This is general information, not advice about your specific return.

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