If you've ever had to order your old tax returns, you know the frustration of hearing some IRS employee say, "Well, just fill out and send us a Form 4506". But, then when you go to the IRS website, there are 7 different types of Forms 4506.
One common reason for needing to have a copy of the actual return which was filed is to determine if anyone signed one of the taxpayer's signatures fraudulently. This is most common in divorce cases. The IRS has a special publication 4512-A dedicated to explaining the Form 4506.
There are various types of "Transcripts" and there are various "returns" which you can supposedly obtain by filling out Form 4506. It says on line 6 that 1040's, 1120's, 1120S', 941's, etc. are available but then the very first sentence says,
Tip: Get faster service: Online at www.irs.gov, Get Your Tax Record (Get Transcript) or by calling 1-800-908-9946 for specialized assistance. We have teams available to assist.
Say what? We want a copy of the actual return which was filed, not a "transcript". A Spanish version of Form 4506 is also available. Form 4506(SP).
The fee per return, as of this date, is $43 each. When you have to order quarterly returns, like 941's, that can be hefty. It usually takes 60 days to get a response.
There are also "short" versions of the Form 4506 in English and Spanish.
If you are a member of the Income Verification Express Service (IVES) you can use the special Form 4506-C. Usually, this is reserved for banks, governments, lenders or credit services.
For a "transcript of tax return", use Form 4506-T. You will not receive a copy of the actual return, but rather a computer-generated printout of what was on the return. Curiously, the form also indicates that you can order your Account transcripts and your Record of Account, both of which contain a year-by-year breakdown of all activity on the file. But, if you'll notice they will only fill requests for the last 3 years. The better way is to go online or call.
There is no charge for the order but you'll have to wait 60 days. Online is instant.
If you want information on an exempt or political organization's application of Letter, you must use Form 4506-B. To request a copy of an exempt organization or political organization's IRS Form, use Form 4506-A
And finally, if you've had someone fraudulently file your tax return without your consent (usually an aggrieved spouse), use Form 4506-F to obtain the fraudulently-filed return. This could be quite valuable evidence in a divorce case.
