IRS Form — Request for Transcript
Form 4506-T — Request for Transcript of Tax Return
Form 4506-T is used to request transcripts of tax returns and other IRS records. For tax professionals, Form 4506-T (or the online IRS transcript tool) is an essential tool for: verifying client tax history, resolving IRS notices, preparing amended returns, and obtaining income verification for mortgage lenders.
Key Rules and Authority
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Transcript | Most line items — available 3 years |
| Account Transcript | Tax, penalties, payments, adjustments |
| Wage & Income Transcript | W-2s, 1099s — available after July 15 |
| Record of Account | Return + account combined |
| Verification of Non-Filing | Confirms no return filed |
| Third-Party Authorization | Box 5b — send to lender or other party |
Transcript Types — Which to Request
| Transcript Type | Best For | Years Available |
|---|---|---|
| Return Transcript | Verifying filed return, mortgage applications | Current + 3 prior years |
| Account Transcript | IRS notices, balance due, payment history | Current + prior years |
| Wage & Income Transcript | Missing W-2s/1099s, amended returns | Current year (after July 15) + prior years |
| Record of Account | Complete picture — return + account | Current + 3 prior years |
| Verification of Non-Filing | Confirming client did not file | Current + prior years |
Frequently Asked Questions
My client is applying for a mortgage and the lender wants their tax transcripts. What do I do?
The lender typically uses Form 4506-C (not 4506-T) to request transcripts directly from the IRS as part of the mortgage underwriting process. The client signs Form 4506-C authorizing the lender to obtain their transcripts. As the tax professional, you can also obtain the transcripts using Form 4506-T or the IRS online transcript tool (Get Transcript) and provide them to the client. The most useful transcript for mortgage purposes is the Return Transcript, which shows the key figures from the filed return. If the client recently filed and the transcript is not yet available, you can provide a copy of the filed return with a signed Form 8879 as evidence of filing.
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