Securing an official certified copy of your tax return from the IRS can be a critical step for various reasons, whether you're applying for a mortgage, a student loan, or simply need it for legal proceedings. While the IRS offers free tax transcripts that summarize your return information, a certified copy is an exact replica of what you originally filed, including all schedules and attachments, with an IRS certification. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step.
Getting an IRS Certified Copy of Your Tax Return: A Comprehensive Guide
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| How To Get Irs Certified Copy Of Tax Return |
Step 1: Understand the Difference: Certified Copy vs. Tax Transcript
Before you dive into the process, let's clear up a common point of confusion. Many people think a "tax transcript" is the same as a "certified copy" of their tax return. They are not.
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Tax Transcript: This is a summary of your tax return information. It includes most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, along with any forms and schedules. It's often used for things like verifying income for loans or financial aid. The IRS offers several types of transcripts (Return Transcript, Account Transcript, Record of Account, Wage & Income Transcript, Verification of Non-filing), and they are free. You can often get these online, by phone, or by mail. However, they are not certified copies of your actual filed return.
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Certified Copy of Tax Return: This is a photocopy of your actual tax return as it was originally filed with the IRS, including all supporting schedules and attachments. It comes with an IRS certification, making it an official document often required for legal or administrative proceedings. There is a fee for each certified copy.
So, if you specifically need an exact replica with an IRS seal, you need a certified copy, not just a transcript.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Information
To successfully request a certified copy of your tax return, you'll need to have some key information readily available. This will ensure you can accurately complete the necessary form.
- Your Full Legal Name: As it appeared on the tax return you're requesting.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): If it was a joint return, you'll need the SSN/ITIN of the primary taxpayer (the one whose name appeared first on the return) and your spouse's SSN/ITIN.
- Your Current Address: Where you want the certified copy to be mailed.
- Previous Address (if applicable): If the address on the tax return you're requesting is different from your current address, you'll need the address from that specific tax year.
- The Specific Tax Year(s) You Need: You'll need to enter the ending date of the tax year (e.g., 12/31/2023 for a calendar year return).
- The Type of Tax Return: For individuals, this is usually Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
- Payment: As of the current date, there is a fee for each certified copy. It's crucial to check the latest IRS guidance for the exact fee before sending your request.
Step 3: Download and Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
This is the only form you can use to request a certified copy of your tax return.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
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Access the Form: Go to the official IRS website (
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Fill Out the Form Accurately: Take your time and be precise.
- Line 1a & 1b: Enter the name and SSN/ITIN of the taxpayer whose name appears first on the tax return.
- Line 2a & 2b: If it was a joint return, enter your spouse's name and SSN/ITIN. Note: Only one spouse's signature is required for a joint return request.
- Line 3: Your current name, address, city, state, and ZIP code. This is where the certified copy will be mailed.
- Line 4: If the address on the return you're requesting is different from your current address, enter that previous address here.
- Line 5: Crucially, if you need the certified copy sent directly to a third party (e.g., a mortgage company, a lawyer), you must enter their complete name, address, and telephone number here. If you leave this blank, the IRS will mail the copy to your current address (Line 3).
- Line 6: Enter the type of tax return you are requesting (e.g., "Form 1040").
- Line 7: Enter the ending date of the tax year(s) you are requesting in MM/DD/YYYY format. For example, for your 2023 tax return, you would enter "12/31/2023".
- Line 8a: This line indicates the fee per return. Double-check the form for the most up-to-date fee.
- Line 8b: Enter the number of returns you are requesting.
- Line 8c: Multiply Line 8a by Line 8b to get your total payment amount.
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Sign and Date the Form: This is absolutely critical. Do not forget to sign and date Form 4506. If it's a joint return, only one spouse needs to sign. You must also check the box in the signature area to acknowledge your authority to sign and request the information. An unsigned form will be rejected.
Step 4: Prepare Your Payment
As mentioned, there is a fee for each certified copy of a tax return.
- Check the current fee: The fee is clearly stated on Form 4506 (Line 8a).
- Payment Method: You must pay by check or money order made payable to the "United States Treasury." Do not send cash.
- Attach Payment: Securely attach your check or money order to Form 4506. The IRS will not process your request without full payment.
Step 5: Mail Your Request
The mailing address for Form 4506 depends on the state you lived in when the return was filed.
- Locate the Correct Address: Refer to the "Where to file" section on the instructions for Form 4506. There are separate charts for individual returns and other types of returns. Find the address corresponding to the state you resided in for the tax year you're requesting.
- Send It Off: Mail your completed Form 4506 and payment to the appropriate IRS address. It's recommended to use a method that allows for tracking, such as certified mail with a return receipt, so you have proof of mailing and delivery.
Step 6: Anticipate Processing Time
Unlike tax transcripts which often process within 10 business days, obtaining a certified copy of your tax return takes considerably longer.
- Processing Time: The IRS states that it can take up to 75 calendar days for them to process your request for a certified copy of a tax return. This is significantly longer than transcript requests, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline.
- Availability: Generally, the IRS can provide copies of tax returns for the current year and the previous six years. Returns older than six years may be destroyed, but it's always worth checking.
Step 7: Tracking Your Request (Limited Options)
There isn't a direct "Where's My Certified Copy?" tool like there is for refunds or transcripts. However, you can consider these approaches:
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
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- Monitor Your Payment: If you paid by check, keep an eye on your bank account to see when the check is cashed. This indicates the IRS has received and begun processing your request.
- Contact the IRS (If Delays Occur): If the 75-day processing period has passed and you still haven't received your certified copy, you can try contacting the IRS directly. However, be prepared for potentially long wait times on their phone lines. The general IRS phone number for individuals is 1-800-829-1040. When you call, have all your relevant information (Social Security Number, tax year requested, date mailed) ready.
Important Considerations:
- Accuracy is Key: Any errors or omissions on Form 4506 can lead to delays or rejection of your request.
- No Fax/Email for Certified Copies: The IRS does not process requests for certified copies via fax or email for security reasons. You must mail the physical form and payment.
- Disaster Victims: If you live in a federally declared disaster area, you might be eligible for a free copy of your tax return. Check the IRS website for specific disaster relief information.
- Power of Attorney: If you are requesting a certified copy on behalf of another taxpayer, you will need to submit a valid Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, with your Form 4506.
By following these detailed steps, you can confidently navigate the process of obtaining an IRS certified copy of your tax return. Remember to be patient, as this is a process that requires time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to distinguish between a tax transcript and a certified copy?
A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return data, typically used for income verification, while a certified copy is an exact, certified photocopy of your original filed return and all its attachments, often required for legal purposes.
How to fill out Form 4506 correctly for a certified copy?
Carefully complete all required fields on Form 4506, including your name, SSN/ITIN, current and previous addresses, the specific tax year(s) requested, and the type of return. Remember to sign and date it, and if sending to a third party, fill in Line 5.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to pay for an IRS certified copy of a tax return?
Payment for a certified copy must be made by check or money order, payable to the "United States Treasury." The current fee per return is listed on Form 4506. Do not send cash.
How to find the correct mailing address for Form 4506?
Refer to the "Where to file" section in the instructions for Form 4506. The mailing address depends on the state you lived in when the tax return you are requesting was originally filed.
How to check the status of my certified copy request?
There is no direct online tracker for certified copy requests. You can monitor if your payment check has been cashed. If the stated processing time (up to 75 days) has passed, you can call the IRS general inquiry line (1-800-829-1040) for assistance.
How to get a certified copy if I filed a joint return?
For a joint return, you will need to provide both spouses' names and SSN/ITINs on Form 4506, but only one spouse needs to sign the form.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to request a certified copy for multiple tax years?
You can request multiple tax years on a single Form 4506. List each tax year's ending date on Line 7 and indicate the total number of returns requested on Line 8b, ensuring your payment covers the fee for each return.
How to get a certified copy if I live in a federally declared disaster area?
If you reside in a federally declared disaster area, you may be eligible to receive a free certified copy of your tax return. Check the IRS website or contact them directly for specific details and procedures for disaster victims.
How to authorize a third party to receive my certified copy?
To have your certified copy mailed directly to a third party (e.g., a bank), you must complete Line 5 of Form 4506 with their full name, address, and telephone number.
How to avoid delays when requesting a certified copy?
Ensure you use the correct form (Form 4506, not 4506-T), fill it out completely and accurately, include the correct payment, and remember to sign and date the form before mailing it to the appropriate IRS address.
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