what is form 4506 request for copy of tax return 
form 4506 request for copy of tax return is filed by taxpayers to request exact copies of one or more previously filed tax returns and tax information from the internal revenue service irs 1 copies may be needed to complete a current year tax return amend a prior year tax return file a claim for a refund or abatement apply for government benefits apply for federal student aid verify income during a loan application process or defend an irs audit there is a fee for getting a full copy of a tax return in some cases a free transcript a shorter printout of the return information may serve a taxpayer s need just as well who can file form 4506 request for copy of tax return taxpayers requesting copies of previously filed tax returns can file form 4506 request for copy of tax return you can also request a copy to be sent to a third party third parties might include a mortgage lender verifying your income with the irs in this case you sign and file form 4506 and the irs sends the tax return copy directly to your lender 1