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Form 4506-T General Instructions

Purpose of Form​

Use Form 4506-T (Download Form 4506-T) to request tax return information. Taxpayers using a tax year beginning in one calendar year and ending in the following year (fiscal tax year) must file Form 4506-T to request a return transcript.

Note: If you are unsure of which type of transcript you need, request the Record of Account, as it provides the most detailed information.

Customer File Number​

The transcripts provided by the IRS have been modified to protect taxpayers' privacy. Transcripts only display partial personal information, such as the last four digits of the taxpayer's Social Security Number. Full financial and tax information, such as wages and taxable income, are shown on the transcript. An optional Customer File Number field is available to use when requesting a transcript. This number will print on the transcript. See Line 5 instructions for specific requirements. The customer file number is an optional field and not required.

Tip: Use Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to request copies of tax returns.

Automated Transcript Request​

You can quickly request transcripts by using our automated self-help service tools. Please visit us at IRS.gov and click on “Get a Tax Transcript...” under “Tools” or call 1-800-908-9946.

Where to File​

Mail or fax Form 4506-T to the address below for the state you lived in, or the state your business was in, when that return was filed. There are two address charts: one for individual transcripts (Form 1040 series and Form W-2) and one for all other transcripts. If you are requesting more than one transcript or other product and the chart shows two different addresses, send your request to the address based on the address of your most recent return.

Line 1b. Enter your employer identification number (EIN) if your request relates to a business return. Otherwise, enter the first social security number (SSN) or your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) shown on the return. For example, if you are requesting Form 1040 that includes Schedule C (Form 1040), enter your SSN.

Line 3. Enter your current address. If you use a P.O. box, include it on this line.

Line 4. Enter the address shown on the last return filed if different from the address entered on line 3.

Note: If the addresses on lines 3 and 4 are different and you have not changed your address with the IRS, file Form 8822, Change of Address. For a business address, file Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business.

Line 5. Enter up to 10 numeric characters to create a unique customer file number that will appear on the transcript. The customer file number should not contain an SSN. Completion of this line is not required.

Note: If you use an SSN, name or combination of both, we will not input the information and the customer file number will reflect a generic entry of “9999999999” on the transcript.

Line 6. Enter only one tax form number per request.

How to Complete Line 5 on Form 4506-T​

When filling out Form 4506-T, you might encounter Line 5, which asks for a unique customer file number. Here’s how to complete this line:

What is a Customer File Number? A customer file number is an optional field that helps identify the transcript. It will appear on the transcript and can be up to 10 numeric characters long. This number should not contain your Social Security Number (SSN).

How to Enter a Customer File Number

  1. Choose a Number: Select a unique number that does not include your SSN.
  2. Enter the Number: Write the chosen number in the space provided on Line 5.
  3. Ensure Accuracy: Double-check that the number is correct and does not contain any SSN digits.

Who Can Sign Form 4506-T on Behalf of a Corporation?​

If you are representing a corporation, you need to ensure that the person signing Form 4506-T has the authority to do so. Here’s who can sign on behalf of a corporation:

Authorized Signers

  1. Officer with Legal Authority: An officer with legal authority to bind the corporation can sign Form 4506-T.
  2. Designated Person: Any person designated by the board of directors or other governing body can also sign.
  3. Written Request: An officer or employee can sign if they have a written request from any principal officer and are attested to by the secretary or another officer.
  4. Bona Fide Shareholder: A bona fide shareholder owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock may submit Form 4506-T but must provide documentation to support their right to receive the information.

Tips for Completing Form 4506-T​

To ensure your request is processed smoothly, follow these tips:

  1. Check the Box: Make sure to check the box in the signature area to acknowledge that you have the authority to sign and request the information.
  2. Sign Correctly: Sign Form 4506-T exactly as your name appeared on the original return. If you have changed your name, also sign your current name.
  3. Attach Documentation: For entities other than individuals, attach the authorization document, such as a letter from the principal officer authorizing an employee or letters testamentary authorizing an individual to act for an estate.
  4. Verify Addresses: Ensure that all addresses are accurate and up-to-date. If you have changed your address, file Form 8822 (for individuals) or Form 8822-B (for businesses) to update your records with the IRS.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your request for a tax transcript is processed correctly and efficiently.

Signature and Date​

Form 4506-T must be signed and dated by the taxpayer listed on line 1a or 2a. The IRS must receive Form 4506-T within 120 days of the date signed by the taxpayer or it will be rejected. Ensure that all applicable lines are completed before signing.

▲ CAUTION: You must check the box in the signature area to acknowledge you have the authority to sign and request the information. The form will not be processed and returned to you if the box is unchecked.

Individuals. Transcripts of jointly filed tax returns may be furnished to either spouse. Only one signature is required. Sign Form 4506-T exactly as your name appeared on the original return. If you changed your name, also sign your current name.

Corporations. Generally, Form 4506-T can be signed by:

  1. An officer having legal authority to bind the corporation,
  2. Any person designated by the board of directors or other governing body, or
  3. Any officer or employee on written request by any principal officer and attested to by the secretary or other officer. A bona fide shareholder of record owning 1 percent or more of the outstanding stock of the corporation may submit a Form 4506-T but must provide documentation to support the requester's right to receive the information.

Partnerships. Generally, Form 4506-T can be signed by any person who was a member of the partnership during any part of the tax period requested on line 9.

All others. See section 6103(e) if the taxpayer has died, is insolvent, is a dissolved corporation, or if a trustee, guardian, executor, receiver, or administrator is acting for the taxpayer.

Note: If you are Heir at law, Next of kin, or Beneficiary you must be able to establish a material interest in the estate or trust.

Documentation. For entities other than individuals, you must attach the authorization document. For example, this could be the letter from the principal officer authorizing an employee of the corporation or the letters testamentary authorizing an individual to act for an estate.

Signature by a representative. A representative can sign Form 4506-T for a taxpayer only if the taxpayer has specifically delegated this authority to the representative on Form 2848, line 5. The representative must attach Form 2848 showing the delegation to Form 4506-T.

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice​

We ask for the information on this form to establish your right to gain access to the requested tax information under the Internal Revenue Code. We need this information to properly identify the tax information and respond to your request. You are not required to request any transcript; if you do request a transcript, sections 6103 and 6109 and their regulations require you to provide this information, including your SSN or EIN. If you do not provide this information, we may not be able to process your request. Providing false or fraudulent information may subject you to penalties.

Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by section 6103.

The time needed to complete and file Form 4506-T will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is:

  • Learning about the law or the form: 10 min.
  • Preparing the form: 12 min.
  • Copying, assembling, and sending the form to the IRS: 20 min.

If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making Form 4506-T simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can write to:

Internal Revenue Service
Tax Forms and Publications Division
1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526
Washington, DC 20224

Do not send the form to this address. Instead, see Where to file on this page.

Chart for Individual Transcripts (Form 1040 series and Form W-2 and Form 1099)​

  • If you filed an individual return and lived in: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or A.P.O. or F.P.O. address

    • Mail or fax to:
      • Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Team
      • Stop 6716 AUSC
      • Austin, TX 73301
      • Fax: 855-587-9604

  • If you filed an individual return and lived in: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

    • Mail or fax to:
      • Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Team
      • Stop 6705 S-2
      • Kansas City, MO 64999
      • Fax: 855-821-0094

  • If you filed an individual return and lived in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

    • Mail or fax to:
      • Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Team
      • P.O. Box 9941
      • Mail Stop 6734
      • Ogden, UT 84409
      • Fax: 855-298-1145

  • If you lived in or your business was in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, a foreign country, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, A.P.O. or F.P.O. address

    • Mail or fax to:
      • Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Team
      • P.O. Box 9941
      • Mail Stop 6734
      • Ogden, UT 84409
      • Fax: 855-298-1145

  • If you lived in or your business was in: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

    • Mail or fax to:
      • Internal Revenue Service RAIVS Team
      • Stop 6705 S-2
      • Kansas City, MO 64999
      • Fax: 855-821-0094