---
title: IRS Form 4506-T online — request a tax transcript by mail
description: Prepare an unsigned Form 4506-T print kit, then hand-sign and submit the free transcript request yourself.
seotitle: IRS Form 4506-T online — request a tax transcript by mail
seo-description: Prepare an unsigned Form 4506-T print kit, then hand-sign and submit the free transcript request yourself.
group: resources
indexable: true
llms: false
schema: webpage
og-image: /forms/4506-t/thumbnail
og-image-alt: IRS Form 4506-T — Request for Transcript of Tax Return generated form preview
published: 2026-07-12
updated: 2026-07-12
tags:
  - irs
  - tax
  - tax transcripts
  - tax records
path: /forms/4506-t
---
# IRS Form 4506-T online — request a tax transcript by mail

Prepare an unsigned Form 4506-T print kit, then hand-sign and submit the free transcript request yourself.

## How it works
1. **Prepare the form** - Complete the guided customer fields online.
2. **Review the kit** - Preview the unsigned form and customer-assembly instructions.
3. **Receive it** - We print and mail the single-sided preparation kit only to you.
4. **Finish and submit** - Remove the PostalForm cover, add signatures and physical items, verify the current rules, and complete final submission yourself.


## Form summary
This preparation-only workflow fills the current Form 4506-T for transcript types not covered by simpler IRS tools and sends the unsigned kit to the customer, not the IRS. After delivery, the customer reviews the form, hand-signs and dates it, verifies the current RAIVS destination, and personally mails or faxes it within 120 days of signing.

## What you need
- Name and SSN/ITIN (or EIN for a business) exactly as shown on the return
- Transcript type, tax form number, and the end date of each year or period (up to four)
- Current mailing address on file with the IRS — plus the previous address if you recently moved
- The state you lived in (or the business operated in) when the return was filed, for IRS routing
- Signature, date, and the checked attestation box
- Hand-sign the printed form after the preparation kit is delivered
- 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-T only if the taxpayer delegated that authority on Form 2848, line 5 — attach the Form 2848 showing the delegation.

## Data collected
- Transcript type, tax form number, and up to four tax periods
- Taxpayer name and SSN/ITIN (or EIN for business requests); spouse name and SSN for joint returns
- Current mailing address and previous address if recently moved
- Optional customer file number for a lender or agency
- State of residence when the return was filed (IRS mailing-address routing)
- Optional phone and title for entity requests; handwritten signature and date are added after delivery

## Where it gets mailed
PostalForm mails the unsigned preparation kit only to the customer or authorized signer at the verified delivery address entered during checkout.

Final submission: PostalForm sends this unsigned kit only to you. It is not an IRS request yet. Hand-sign and date it after delivery, add any authority documents, verify the current RAIVS destination, and personally mail or fax it within 120 days.

## 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
- Leaving the attestation checkbox unchecked — the IRS returns the form unprocessed.
- Expecting the transcript to be sent to a lender or other third party. Since July 2019 the IRS mails transcripts only to your address of record; lenders use Form 4506-C through IVES instead.
- Requesting a return transcript for a year older than the current plus 3 prior years instead of checking the wage & income box, which reaches back up to 10 years.
- Entering more than one tax form number on a single request.
- Not updating your address with the IRS first (Form 8822) after a move, so the transcript goes to the old address.
- Letting the signed form go stale — the IRS must receive it within 120 days of the signature date.

## Agent summary
Customer-assembly workflow for Form 4506-T. Collects transcript type, tax form, periods, taxpayer identity, addresses, customer file number, attestation, phone, and entity title. PostalForm leaves signatures and signature dates blank and sends the kit only to the customer for final signing and IRS submission.

## For assistants
This is a human-only customer-assembly workflow and is not available for automated or machine ordering.

- PostalForm delivers an unsigned preparation kit only to the customer or authorized signer.
- The customer must remove and keep the PostalForm cover, complete every physical signature, enclosure, certification, and final-submission step, and verify the current deadline and destination.

## LLM field schema
```json
[
  {
    "id": "request_scope",
    "label": "What is this transcript for?",
    "type": "select",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": "full",
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "type_return_transcript",
    "label": "Tax return transcript — the line items from your return as you filed it",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": "radio",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "type_account_transcript",
    "label": "Tax account transcript — payments, penalties, and changes made after filing",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "radio",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "type_record_of_account",
    "label": "Record of account — the most complete option (return + account combined)",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "radio",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "type_verification_nonfiling",
    "label": "Verification of non-filing letter — proof the IRS has no return on file for a year",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "radio",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "type_wage_income",
    "label": "Wage and income transcript — the W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and 5498s reported to the IRS",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "radio",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
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  },
  {
    "id": "tax_form_number",
    "label": "Tax form number",
    "type": "text",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
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  },
  {
    "id": "period_requested",
    "label": "Which year(s)? Enter the end date of each",
    "type": "compound",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
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    "visibility": null,
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        "id": "period_1_month",
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        "metaClass": "number",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "MM",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_15[0]"
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      {
        "id": "period_1_day",
        "label": "1st period — day",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "DD",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_16[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_1_year",
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        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "half",
        "placeholder": "YYYY",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_17[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_2_month",
        "label": "2nd period — month",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "MM",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_18[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_2_day",
        "label": "2nd period — day",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "DD",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_19[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_2_year",
        "label": "2nd period — year",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "half",
        "placeholder": "YYYY",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_20[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_3_month",
        "label": "3rd period — month",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "MM",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_21[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_3_day",
        "label": "3rd period — day",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "DD",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_22[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_3_year",
        "label": "3rd period — year",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "half",
        "placeholder": "YYYY",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_23[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_4_month",
        "label": "4th period — month",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "MM",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_24[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_4_day",
        "label": "4th period — day",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "quarter",
        "placeholder": "DD",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_25[0]"
      },
      {
        "id": "period_4_year",
        "label": "4th period — year",
        "metaClass": "number",
        "uiWidth": "half",
        "placeholder": "YYYY",
        "pdfFieldName": "topmostSubform[0].Page1[0].f1_26[0]"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "has_customer_file_number",
    "label": "A lender or agency asked me to include a customer file number",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "plain_checkbox",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
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  },
  {
    "id": "customer_file_number",
    "label": "Customer file number",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-1-request",
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    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
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      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "taxpayer_name",
    "label": "Name shown on the tax return",
    "type": "text",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": "name",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-2-taxpayer",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "taxpayer_tin",
    "label": "Social Security number (or ITIN / EIN)",
    "type": "text",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-2-taxpayer",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "joint_return",
    "label": "That return was filed jointly with a spouse",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "plain_checkbox",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-2-taxpayer",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "spouse_name",
    "label": "Spouse's name shown on the return",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "name",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-2-taxpayer",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "joint_return",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "spouse_ssn",
    "label": "Spouse's Social Security number (or ITIN)",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "ssn",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-2-taxpayer",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "joint_return",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "current_address",
    "label": "Your current mailing address",
    "type": "compound",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-3-address",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": [
      {
        "id": "street",
        "label": "Street address",
        "metaClass": "address",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "full"
      },
      {
        "id": "unit",
        "label": "Apt/Suite",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "city",
        "label": "City",
        "metaClass": "city",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "state",
        "label": "State",
        "metaClass": "state",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "zip",
        "label": "ZIP code",
        "metaClass": "zip",
        "required": true,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "moved_since_last_return",
    "label": "I've moved since I filed that return",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "plain_checkbox",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-3-address",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "previous_address",
    "label": "Address shown on your last return",
    "type": "compound",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-3-address",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "moved_since_last_return",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": [
      {
        "id": "street",
        "label": "Street address",
        "metaClass": "address",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "full"
      },
      {
        "id": "unit",
        "label": "Apt/Suite",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "city",
        "label": "City",
        "metaClass": "city",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "state",
        "label": "State",
        "metaClass": "state",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      },
      {
        "id": "zip",
        "label": "ZIP code",
        "metaClass": "zip",
        "required": false,
        "uiWidth": "quarter"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": "state_when_filed",
    "label": "State where you lived when that return was filed",
    "type": "select",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": "half",
    "group_id": "step-3-address",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
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  },
  {
    "id": "attestation",
    "label": "I have read the attestation clause and have the authority to sign and request this transcript",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": "plain_checkbox",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "phone_number",
    "label": "Daytime phone (optional)",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "phone",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "taxpayer_signature",
    "label": "Your signature",
    "type": "signature",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": null,
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "signature_date",
    "label": "Date signed",
    "type": "text",
    "required": true,
    "meta_class": "date",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "taxpayer_signature",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "signer_title",
    "label": "Your title (business, estate, or trust requests)",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "request_scope",
      "operator": "equals",
      "value": "A business, estate, or trust (Forms 1065, 1120, 941, etc.)"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "spouse_will_sign",
    "label": "Add my spouse's signature too (optional)",
    "type": "checkbox",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "plain_checkbox",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "joint_return",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "spouse_signature",
    "label": "Spouse's signature",
    "type": "signature",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": null,
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "spouse_will_sign",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  },
  {
    "id": "spouse_signature_date",
    "label": "Spouse's signature date",
    "type": "text",
    "required": false,
    "meta_class": "date",
    "ui_width": null,
    "group_id": "step-4-signature",
    "choice_group": null,
    "choice_label": null,
    "visibility": {
      "fieldId": "spouse_signature",
      "operator": "truthy"
    },
    "compound_subfields": null
  }
]
```

## Sources
- [IRS — Where to file Form 4506-T](https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-addresses-for-filing-form-4506-t)
- [IRS — Get your tax records and transcripts](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript)
- [IRS — Transcript types and ways to order them](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/transcript-types-for-individuals-and-ways-to-order-them)
- [Official instructions](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t)
- [Official PDF](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf)

## Last verified
2026-07-12


## FAQs
- **Is there a fee for Form 4506-T?** No. IRS transcripts are free. Only Form 4506 — an exact photocopy of a filed return — carries a fee ($30 per return).
- **Is there a faster way than mailing Form 4506-T?** Usually, yes. An IRS Individual Online Account shows transcripts immediately for free, and the automated Get Transcript by Mail service (irs.gov or 800-908-9946) delivers return or account transcripts in 5–10 calendar days with no form at all. Form 4506-T is the route for wage & income (W-2/1099) history, verification of non-filing letters, business transcripts, or when the online tools don’t work for you.
- **Can the IRS send my transcript directly to my lender?** No. Since July 2019 the IRS mails 4506-T transcripts only to the taxpayer’s address of record. Lenders that need transcripts directly use Form 4506-C through the IRS IVES program — if a lender handed you a form to sign, check which one it is.
- **Which transcript type should I choose?** The IRS’s own tip: if you are unsure, request the Record of Account — it combines the return transcript and the account transcript.
- **How long does it take?** The IRS says most 4506-T requests are processed within 10 business days of receipt. Add mail time in both directions.
- **I moved recently — will my transcript find me?** Only if the IRS has your new address. Transcripts go to your address of record, so file Form 8822 (Change of Address) first if you haven’t updated it.


## Related
- [IRS Form 4506T-EZ — Short Form 1040 Transcript Request](/forms/4506-t-ez)
- [IRS Form 4506 — Request for Copy of Tax Return](/forms/4506)
- [IRS Form 4868 — Automatic Tax-Filing Extension](/forms/4868)
- [IRS Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization](/forms/8821)
- [IRS Form 8822](/forms/8822)
- [IRS Form 8822-B Business Change of Address Packet](/forms/8822-b)