IRS Form 4506-T – Request for Transcript of Tax Return

IRS Form 4506-T – Request for Transcript of Tax Return – Need an official record of your past tax returns for a mortgage, loan, student aid, or IRS verification? IRS Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) is the free, official way to obtain detailed tax transcripts by mail.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know in 2026: what the form does, which transcripts you can request, when to use it versus faster online options, how to fill it out correctly, where to mail or fax it, and processing times.

What Is IRS Form 4506-T?

Form 4506-T is an IRS form that lets individuals, businesses, and authorized representatives request free transcripts of tax return information. The IRS mails the transcript(s) to the address of record (or a third party you designate).

Key facts (current as of 2026):

• Free — No fees for any transcript type.
• Processed in most cases within 10 business days.
• Mailed only to your address of record (updated July 2019 rule).
• Valid for 120 days from the signature date.
• Available for current tax year + prior years (availability varies by transcript type).

Download the current form here: IRS Form 4506-T PDF

Note: A transcript is not a photocopy of your original return. For an actual copy (including all attachments and W-2s), use Form 4506 (which has a $30 fee per return).

5 Types of IRS Transcripts You Can Request with Form 4506-T

Transcript Type	What It Shows	Best For	Years Typically Available
Tax Return Transcript	Most line items from the original 1040-series return + schedules	Mortgage lenders, income verification	Current + 3 prior years
Tax Account Transcript	Filing status, AGI, taxable income, payments, penalties, adjustments	Financial status, payment history	Current + up to 9 prior (online); older via 4506-T
Record of Account	Full combination of Return + Account transcripts	Most complete picture	Current + 3 prior years
Wage & Income Transcript	W-2, 1099, 1098, 5498 data (up to ~85 documents)	Income verification, retirement	Current + up to 10 years
Verification of Non-Filing	Official letter proving no 1040-series return was filed	Student aid, stimulus checks	Current (after June 15) + prior years

Tip: Not sure which one you need? Request the Record of Account — it gives the most complete information.

When to Use Form 4506-T (vs. Faster Online Options)?

Use Form 4506-T when:

• You need a Wage & Income Transcript with more than 85 documents.
• You need transcripts for older tax years (beyond online limits).
• You need a Verification of Non-Filing letter for years older than 3 prior.
• You’re requesting for a business (EIN) or fiscal-year return.
• Online requests fail (e.g., identity issues or “no record” messages).

Faster alternatives (recommended first):

• Individual Online Account → Instant view/print/download of all types (fastest).
• Get Transcript by Mail or automated phone line (800-908-9946) → Tax Return + Tax Account transcripts in 5–10 calendar days.

Form 4506-T-EZ (short form) is still available but limited to individuals requesting only a Tax Return Transcript for the current + prior 3 years. Most people now use the full Form 4506-T.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out IRS Form 4506-T?

Important: Complete all applicable lines before signing. The IRS will reject incomplete or illegible forms.

Line-by-line instructions:

1. Lines 1a–2b — Taxpayer name(s) and SSN/ITIN exactly as shown on the original return. For joint returns, list the primary taxpayer on line 1.
2. Line 3 — Current name and address (including apartment/suite/inmate number). This is where the transcript will be mailed.
3. Line 4 — Previous address from the last return filed if different from line 3.
4. Line 5 — Optional Customer File Number (up to 10 digits, no SSN). This appears on the transcript for your records (useful when sending to a third party).
5. Line 6 — Check the box for the transcript type you want:
   • a. Return Transcript
   • b. Account Transcript
   • c. Record of Account
6. Line 7 — Check for Verification of Non-Filing.
7. Line 8 — Check for Wage & Income (W-2, 1099, etc.) transcript.
8. Line 9 — Enter the tax year(s) in mm/dd/yyyy format (e.g., 12/31/2024). One form per tax form number; enter only one form number (1040, 1120, etc.) per request.

Signature section:

• Sign and date exactly as your name appeared on the original return.
• For joint returns, only one spouse needs to sign.
• Check the authorization box (required in 2026).
• Provide a daytime phone number.
• If signing as a representative, attach Form 2848 with specific delegation.

Pro tip: If requesting for a third party (e.g., mortgage company), the transcript goes to your address of record unless you make special arrangements.

How to Submit Form 4506-T (Mail or Fax)?

Send the completed form to the RAIVS Team address based on the state where you (or your business) filed the return.

• Individual transcripts (1040 series & W-2/1099) — Use the state you lived in when the return was filed.
• All other transcripts (business, etc.) — Use the state where the business was located.
• Current 2026 mailing & fax addresses (from IRS.gov):
• Region 1 (Austin, TX): AL, AZ, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, foreign addresses, territories, APO/FPO
  → Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, Stop 6716 AUSC, Austin, TX 73301
  Fax: 855-587-9604
• Region 2 (Ogden, UT): AK, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, MI, MT, NE, NV, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
  → Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, P.O. Box 9941, Mail Stop 6734, Ogden, UT 84409
  Fax: 855-298-1145
• Region 3 (Kansas City, MO): CT, DE, DC, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, WI
  → Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, Stop 6705 S-2, Kansas City, MO 64999
  Fax: 855-821-0094
• If requesting multiple types with different addresses → Use the address for your most recent return.

Processing Time & Delivery

• Standard: 10 business days (most requests).
• Transcripts are mailed to the address of record only.
• Track status by calling the IRS (have your form details ready).

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your Request

• Missing signature or unchecked authorization box.
• Wrong address on line 3 or 4.
• Using SSN in the Customer File Number field.
• Requesting more than one tax form number per form.
• Signing more than 120 days before IRS receives it.
• Forgetting to update address with IRS (use Form 8822).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Form 4506-T free?
   Yes — all transcripts are free.
2. Can I request transcripts for someone else?
   Only with proper authorization (Form 2848 or documentation of legal authority).
3. How far back can I go?
   Wage & Income: up to 10 years. Most others: 3–9 years depending on type and method.
4. What if I need the actual tax return, not a transcript?
   Use Form 4506 (costs $30 per return, longer processing).
5. Can third parties (lenders, schools) request directly?
   No — the taxpayer must sign and request; the transcript can then be forwarded.

Bottom Line: Get Your IRS Transcript the Smart Way in 2026

1. Try Individual Online Account first (instant).
2. If you need older years, Wage & Income with many documents, or a specific letter → use Form 4506-T.
3. Fill it out carefully, sign, and mail/fax to the correct RAIVS address.
4. Expect delivery in about 10 business days.

Official download: IRS Form 4506-T (current version)

Where to file addresses: IRS Where to File Form 4506-T

All transcript types & options: IRS Transcript Types & Ordering

Need help with a specific situation (mortgage, student loans, amended return, etc.)? Leave a comment or contact the IRS at 800-908-9946 for automated assistance.

This guide is based entirely on current IRS publications and forms as of February 2026. Always verify the latest form and addresses directly on IRS.gov before submitting.