Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, is how you ask the IRS for a transcript of a return or account by mail or fax. As of October 2026, it covers five products (return, account, record of account, wage and income, and verification of non-filing), most requests are processed within 10 business days, and the IRS must receive the form within 120 days of the date you sign it.
It's the taxpayer's own transcript request, and the one businesses use too: you enter the form number (1040, 1065, 1120 and so on) on line 6. It's different from a request for a full copy of a return, which is Form 4506, and from the lender-led IVES request on Form 4506-C.
The 5 transcript types on Form 4506-T
| Line | Transcript | What it shows | How far back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6a | Return transcript | Most line items of the return as filed, not later changes | Current year and returns processed in the prior 3 processing years |
| 6b | Account transcript | Payments, penalty assessments and adjustments after filing | Available for most returns |
| 6c | Record of account | Return and account transcripts combined | Current year and 3 prior tax years |
| 7 | Verification of non-filing | Proof the IRS has no record of a filed return | Current year only after June 15 |
| 8 | W-2, 1099, 1098 or 5498 series transcript | Data from information returns the IRS received | Up to 10 years |
Two details save people a wasted request. The IRS's own tip is that if you aren't sure which one you need, ask for the record of account, because it's the most detailed. And a wage and income transcript doesn't include state or local information, and current-year data usually isn't there until the year after the form is filed.
Why the transcript looks different now
Transcripts are masked to protect taxpayer data. They show only partial personal information, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number, while the financial figures (wages, taxable income and so on) stay fully visible. Because the number is masked, line 5 lets you add an optional customer file number of up to 10 digits that prints on the transcript. Don't use an SSN there: the IRS ignores it and prints a generic 9999999999 instead.
Since July 2019 the IRS mails transcripts only to the taxpayer's address of record, not to a third party. A lender that can't accept a transcript mailed to you has to work through the IVES program instead.
Who can sign Form 4506-T
- Individuals: sign exactly as your name appeared on the original return, and add your current name if it has changed. Either spouse on a joint return can get the transcript, and only one signature is needed.
- Corporations: an officer with legal authority to bind the company, a person designated by the board, or an officer or employee on written request of a principal officer.
- Partnerships: anyone who was a member of the partnership during any part of the period requested.
- Representatives: only if the taxpayer delegated that authority on line 5 of Form 2848, which must be attached.
If the taxpayer has died, is insolvent or is a dissolved corporation, or a trustee, executor or receiver is acting for them, section 6103(e) decides who may sign. Heirs, next of kin and beneficiaries must be able to show a material interest in the estate or trust.
Entities other than individuals must attach the authorization document, such as a letter from the principal officer. You also have to tick the box in the signature area confirming you have authority to sign, or the form won't be processed.
How to fill in and file Form 4506-T
- Line 1a and 1b: the name on the return and the SSN, ITIN or EIN. Use the EIN for a business return, and the SSN for a Form 1040 that includes Schedule C.
- Line 3: your current address. Line 4: the address on the last return, if different. If they differ and you haven't told the IRS, file Form 8822 (or Form 8822-B for a business).
- Line 5: optional customer file number.
- Lines 6 to 8: one tax form number per request and the transcript box you need.
- Line 9: the end date of each year or quarter in mm/dd/yyyy format.
- Sign only once every line that applies is complete, then mail or fax it within 120 days to the RAIVS address for the state you or your business were in when that return was filed.
The form lists separate address charts for individual transcripts and for all other transcripts, with RAIVS teams in Austin, Kansas City and Ogden, each with its own fax number. Fiscal-year filers must use Form 4506-T for a return transcript. The faster route for individuals is the IRS's online Get Transcript service or its transcript phone line, which the form itself points to first.
Before you post it: three checks
If what you need is a copy of a W-2 or 1099, the form says to ask the payer first, and to use Form 4506 if you want copies filed with your return. If you need W-2 history for retirement purposes, the IRS points you to the Social Security Administration instead. And budget a little time: the IRS estimates 10 minutes to learn about the form, 12 to prepare it and 20 to copy, assemble and send it.
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The verdict
Use Form 4506-T when you need IRS proof of income or filing for yourself or your business and the online route won't do it. Ask for the record of account if in doubt, make sure the address on line 3 matches what the IRS holds, and post it soon after signing. Miss the 120 day window and you start again.
Moving house? our change of address form guide covers updating your address with the IRS.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Form 4506-T take?
The form says most requests are processed within 10 business days.
What's the difference between Form 4506 and Form 4506-T?
Form 4506 requests a copy of the actual return with attachments. Form 4506-T requests a transcript, a summary of return or account information, and the IRS points to Form 4506 if you need copies of the W-2 or 1099 forms filed with your return.
How far back can I get a transcript?
Return transcripts cover the current year and returns processed in the prior 3 processing years, the record of account covers the current year and 3 prior years, and wage and income data may be available for up to 10 years.
Can my lender receive the transcript directly?
No. Since July 2019 the IRS mails transcripts only to the taxpayer's address of record. A third party has to use an IVES participant instead.
Can a business use Form 4506-T?
Yes. Enter the EIN on line 1b and the business form number, such as 1065 or 1120, on line 6, and attach the document showing the signer's authority.
