What is Form 4506?
Form 4506 is a document provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that allows taxpayers to request copies of their previously filed tax returns and associated tax information. This form is essential for retrieving important financial documents that may be needed for various purposes.
The types of tax returns that can be requested using Form 4506 include:
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Form 1040 series: Individual income tax returns.
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Form 1120 series: Corporate income tax returns.
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Form 1065: Partnership return.
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Form 1041: Estate or trust income tax return.
Understanding which type of return you need will help you fill out the form accurately.
Who Can File Form 4506?
Not everyone can file Form 4506; there are specific individuals and entities eligible to do so. Here are some of those eligible:
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Taxpayers: Individuals who have filed their own tax returns.
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Spouses in Joint Returns: Both spouses must sign the form if the return was filed jointly.
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Corporate Officers: For corporate tax returns, an authorized corporate officer must sign.
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Partnership Members: For partnership returns, an authorized partner or member must sign.
When signing the form, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary authorization and documentation. For example, if you’re requesting a copy on behalf of someone else, you’ll need to provide proof of your authority to do so.
How to Complete Form 4506
Completing Form 4506 involves several steps:
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Enter Your Information:
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Write your name and Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)).
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If you filed a joint return, include your spouse’s name and Social Security number/ITIN/EIN as well.
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Specify the Type of Tax Return:
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Indicate the type of tax return you’re requesting (e.g., Form 1040, Form 1120).
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Specify the tax year or period for which you need the copy.
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Third-Party Information:
- If the copy is for a third party (like a lender or financial advisor), provide their details.
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Certification:
- Check if you need certified copies for court or administrative proceedings.
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Fee and Payment Details:
- Each copy requested costs $43; include payment details such as a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury.”
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Sign and Date:
- Ensure that all required parties sign and date the form correctly.
Filing and Submitting Form 4506
Once you’ve completed Form 4506, here’s how you submit it:
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Mailing Address: Send the completed form to one of the IRS addresses listed in the instructions based on your state.
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Payment: Include full payment with your submission; checks or money orders should be made payable to “United States Treasury.”
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Processing Time: The IRS typically takes approximately 75 calendar days to process your request.
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Signing and Dating: Make sure to sign and date the form correctly before mailing it.
Alternative Options: Transcripts Instead of Full Copies
If you don’t need a full copy of your tax return but still require some information from it, there are alternative options available:
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Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ: These forms allow you to request free transcripts of your tax return.
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Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original return.
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Tax Account Transcript: Provides detailed information about your account transactions.
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Record of Account Transcript: Combines elements from both tax return and account transcripts.
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Wage and Income Transcript: Lists data from Forms W-2, 1099, etc.
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Verification of Non-filing Letter: Confirms that no return was filed for a specific year.
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These transcripts can often suffice for many purposes without needing a full copy.
Special Considerations
There are some special scenarios to consider when filing Form 4506:
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Jointly Filed Returns: Both spouses must sign if requesting a joint return copy.
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Corporate and Partnership Requests: Authorized officers or members must sign on behalf of the entity.
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Deceased or Insolvent Taxpayers: Special procedures may apply; ensure you check the box acknowledging authority to sign and request information.