IRS Form 4506 — request an exact copy of a filed tax return

Form 4506 requests an exact photocopy of a filed return and its attachments. This preparation-only workflow fills the current form and sends the unsigned kit to the customer, not the IRS. After delivery, the customer reviews it, hand-signs and dates it, adds the required check or money order, verifies the current destination, and personally submits the final packet.

Exact copies cost $30 each — and the check must travel with the form

We fill the form and mail an unsigned preparation kit to you. You complete the original signatures, physical enclosures, and final submission.

Current step

What copies you need

What kind of return do you need copies of?, Tax form number, and 1st return — month

This step

6 fields · 5 required

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Step 1

What copies you need

Form 4506 orders exact photocopies of returns you already filed — with every attachment, W-2, and schedule. If a summary would do, a free IRS transcript is much faster.

5 required

What kind of return do you need copies of? *

This picks the right IRS mailing address for your request.

Tax form number *

One return type per Form 4506 (for example, 1040). The copy includes all attachments as originally submitted, including W-2s and schedules. Personal 1040-series copies are generally available for 7 years from filing.

Certify the copies for court or administrative proceedingsCheck only if a court or agency requires certified copies — otherwise leave unchecked.

1st return — *

Need more context?

The form is ready to fill now. If you want supporting instructions, mailing notes, or source links, they are below.

Important details+

Most people can use a free IRS transcript instead of paying for a return copy. If you truly need an exact copy, we fill and print Form 4506 and send the unsigned kit to you. After delivery, you hand-sign and date it, add the required $30-per-return check or money order, verify the current IRS destination, and mail the final packet yourself.

What you need+

Return type (one per Form 4506) and the end date of each year requested — up to eight
Name and SSN/ITIN (or EIN) exactly as shown on the return
Current mailing address, and previous address if you recently moved
A check or money order for $30 per return, payable to "United States Treasury", enclosed with the form
Signature, printed name, date, and the checked attestation box
Hand-sign the printed form after the preparation kit is delivered
Filing fee ($30 per return, by check or money order payable to "United States Treasury", enclosed with the form)
Authorization document (businesses, estates, and trusts only) (optional) — For entities other than individuals, attach the document that authorizes you to act — for example, a letter from a principal officer or letters testamentary. Use copies, not originals.
Form 2848 (only if a representative signs for the taxpayer) (optional) — A representative may sign Form 4506 only if the taxpayer delegated that authority on Form 2848, line 5a — attach the Form 2848 showing the delegation.

Form summary+

How it works+

Prepare the form online
Review the unsigned preparation kit
Receive the single-sided kit at your address
Add signatures and physical items, then submit it yourself

Where it gets mailed+

PostalForm mails the unsigned preparation kit to you. You complete the signatures, physical enclosures, and final submission yourself.

Packet order+

Customer assembly instruction cover (remove and keep before final submission)
Prepared unsigned form (signature and reserved third-party fields blank)
Printed reference attachments

Common mistakes+

Paying for a copy when a free transcript would do — lenders, FAFSA, and immigration almost always accept transcripts.
Mailing the form without the payment enclosed — the IRS rejects the request.
Forgetting to write your SSN/ITIN/EIN and "Form 4506 request" on the check or money order.
Requesting more than one return TYPE on a single Form 4506 (one type per form; up to eight periods of that type).
Leaving the attestation checkbox unchecked — the IRS returns the form unprocessed.
Expecting fast turnaround — copy requests can take up to 75 calendar days, versus about 10 business days for transcripts.
Requesting a 1040 copy older than about 7 years — they are generally destroyed by law after that.

FAQs+

Do I need a copy, or is a free transcript enough?

Usually a transcript is enough — mortgage lenders, FAFSA, and USCIS almost always accept transcripts, which are free and much faster. Order a copy only when someone insists on the actual filed return with attachments, or you need certified copies for court.

How much does Form 4506 cost?

$30 per return requested (Form 4506 Rev. 4-2025). Payment must be included with the mailed form — a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury" with your SSN/ITIN/EIN and "Form 4506 request" written on it. The IRS refunds the fee for returns it cannot find.

How long does it take?

The IRS says up to 75 calendar days from receipt.

How far back can I request?

Form 1040-series copies are generally available for 7 years from filing before they are destroyed by law; some other returns are kept longer.

Can the copies go straight to my mortgage company or attorney?

Yes — unlike transcripts, Form 4506 line 5 lets you designate a third party to receive the copies. The IRS cautions that it has no control over the copies once delivered.

Can I get certified copies for court?

Yes — Form 4506 has a checkbox to certify the copies for court or administrative proceedings, at the same $30 fee.

Sources+

Related+

Last verified+

Last Internal Revenue Service verification: July 12, 2026