IRS Instruction 4506-A – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – Are you looking to obtain a copy of a nonprofit’s Form 990, a political organization’s Form 8872, or another publicly disclosable exempt organization return? The IRS Form 4506-A is the official tool for requesting public inspection or photocopies of these documents under Internal Revenue Code Section 6104.
This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide explains everything you need to know about IRS Instruction 4506-A (revised November 2021 — still current as of February 2026), based directly on the official IRS PDF and irs.gov resources. We cover purpose, eligibility, step-by-step completion, fees, mailing instructions, processing times, and important alternatives like the free Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool.
Download the official resources here:
What Is IRS Form 4506-A?
Form 4506-A, titled Request for Public Inspection or Copy of Exempt or Political Organization IRS Form, lets members of the public (and the organizations themselves) request:
- Copies of exempt organization returns (e.g., Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T)
- Political organization reports and notices (Form 8871, Form 8872)
- Other publicly disclosable forms (e.g., Form 8886-T, or Form 4720 for private foundations)
Key point from IRS instructions: Exempt and political organizations must make these documents available for public inspection. You can request them directly from the IRS via Form 4506-A or inspect them at the organization’s office (they may even mail copies to you).
Note: This form does not request exemption applications or determination letters — use Form 4506-B for those.
Who Should Use Form 4506-A?
- Journalists, researchers, donors, or watchdog groups investigating nonprofits
- Individuals wanting financial details of a specific charity or political organization
- The exempt or political organization itself (or its officers) — but you’ll only receive the public-inspection version (contributor names and certain attachments are redacted). For a complete copy of your own return, use Form 4506 and pay the fee.
Pro tip: Before filling out Form 4506-A, always check the free Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at www.irs.gov/teos. Many recent filings are already available online.
What’s New & Important Alternatives (2026 Update)?
The IRS has made many documents freely available online:
- Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-T filed in 2017 or later → free individual copies and bulk downloads on TEOS.
- Form 8871 & 8872 (political organizations) → view and print instantly at www.irs.gov/polorgs.
- Form 990-N (e-Postcard) images → available on TEOS.
- Machine-readable data for e-filed returns → bulk download on TEOS.
Digital data on USB is still available for 2015–2016 returns (complete yearly sets or partial by state). These must be prepaid.
Tip: Use sites like GuideStar (now part of Candid) for additional context on an organization’s activities.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Form 4506-A?
Follow the official line-by-line instructions (Catalog Number 51552X):
- Line 1 — Exempt or political organization
Enter the official name (exactly as approved by the IRS), address, city/state/ZIP, and EIN. Use a separate form for each organization. - Line 2 — Requester information
Your name, address, phone, contact person, and date. - Line 3 — Category of requester
Check the appropriate box (commercial user, educational institution, media, non-commercial scientific, or “all other requesters”). - Line 4 — Reason for request (required for non-commercial users)
Explain why you need the records and how they will be used. This can affect your fee rate. - Lines 5–8 — Forms and tax periods requested
Check the box for each form type and enter the specific tax year(s) or period(s).
You may request multiple forms on one request. - Line 8b — Other publicly disclosable forms
Use this for anything not listed (e.g., Form 8886-T). Note: These take longer to process.
USB requests (2015–2016 only): Indicate complete set or partial by state/month. Check “sample USB” if applicable (not available for single organizations).
Signature: No signature is required on Form 4506-A.
Where to File Form 4506-A?
Mail or fax to: Internal Revenue Service
RAIVS Unit – MS: 6716
Ogden, UT 84201
Fax: 855-653-9144
How Much Does It Cost? (2026 Fees)?
| Requester Type | Paper Copy Fees | USB Requests |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial user | $0.20 per page | Prepaid (see irs.gov/copies for current rate) |
| Educational/media/non-commercial scientific/all others | First 100 pages free $0.20 per page after |
Prepaid |
- IRS bills you later (advance payment required if estimated cost > $250).
- Inspection at an IRS office is always free.
- Make checks/money orders payable to “United States Treasury.”
USB fees are updated every January — check www.irs.gov/copies for the latest.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Expect up to 60 days. Requests for Line 8b documents or older records may take longer. Incomplete or illegible forms are rejected.
Important Cautions from IRS Instructions
- You will receive only the public-inspection version (no contributor names or non-disclosable attachments).
- Returns are generally kept for 7 years before destruction.
- Always verify availability on TEOS first to avoid unnecessary requests.
- Willfully providing false information can result in criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I request my own organization’s return on Form 4506-A?
A: Yes, but only the public version. Use Form 4506 for the full unredacted copy. - Q: Is Form 4506-A the same as Form 4506?
A: No. Form 4506 is for individual or business tax returns; 4506-A is specifically for exempt/political organizations under public disclosure rules. - Q: Do I need Form 4506-A for recent 990s?
A: Usually not — check TEOS first. - Q: Can I get exemption applications with this form?
A: No — use Form 4506-B.
Final Tips for Success
- Download the latest instructions and form directly from irs.gov (links above).
- Double-check the organization’s exact legal name and EIN.
- Consider TEOS or the organization’s own website first — it’s faster and free.
- For bulk research, explore the TEOS bulk data downloads.
Need help? Contact the IRS RAIVS Unit or consult a tax professional familiar with exempt organizations.
This guide is based exclusively on official IRS sources (Form 4506-A instructions revised November 2021, About Form 4506-A page last reviewed July 17, 2025, and related TEOS resources). Tax laws can change — always verify the most current information at www.irs.gov.
Share this guide with researchers, journalists, or nonprofit stakeholders who need transparent access to exempt organization filings. For the official PDF, click the links provided.