How to Fax IRS Form 4506 Online (Tax Return Copy Request) | SecurelyFax
Form 4506 is Request for Copy of Tax Return — the form you submit when you need the exact return as filed, not the IRS transcript summary. The IRS lists fax as a submission channel in the form's current instructions, with destinations at the RAIVS units. 4506 carries a per-copy fee and slower processing than the free transcript, so it's the right form only when an actual return copy is required. SecurelyFax sends the signed 4506 from email, browser upload, or a phone scan.
Form 4506 vs Form 4506-T — pick the right one
Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript) is free, faster, and works for almost every common situation — mortgage underwriting, financial aid, lender income verification. Form 4506 (Request for Copy) returns the exact return as filed (with all attachments), carries a per-copy fee, and takes longer. Use 4506 only when a transcript isn't acceptable — for example, when a court, an immigration filing, or a complex audit defense specifically requires the filed return rather than the IRS summary.
When you actually need Form 4506
The most common legitimate use cases: a court matter requires the return as filed (a divorce property settlement, a contested business valuation); an immigration filing requires copies of prior-year returns; a lawsuit's discovery phase requires copies; a tax-preparer requires a copy after losing their own copy of an old return. In most other cases, 4506-T is faster, free, and equally useful — start there.
How to fax Form 4506 through SecurelyFax
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Confirm you actually need Form 4506 (not 4506-T)Form 4506-T is faster and free. Only use 4506 when an exact return copy is genuinely required.
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Complete every required lineName(s) as filed, address, taxpayer ID, the years requested, and the third-party information if applicable.
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Enclose the fee or proof of fee paymentForm 4506 has a per-copy fee. The form's instructions explain how to pay or attach proof.
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Sign and date within the validity windowLike 4506-T, Form 4506 signatures expire after a defined window — typically 120 days. Don't sign too early.
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Look up the current destination fax numberThe Form 4506 instructions publish the current RAIVS unit fax numbers, which depend on your address. Pull the current numbers from the latest instructions.
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Send through SecurelyFaxEmail the signed PDF, upload in your browser, or photograph the signed pages with your phone.
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Save the delivery confirmationKeep the SecurelyFax receipt with the matter file.
Typical timing and cost expectations
Form 4506 returns take longer than transcripts — historically several weeks. The per-copy fee is published in the current instructions (it has changed over time). If you can wait and the underlying need allows a transcript, 4506-T is genuinely the better choice for cost and speed.
SecurelyFax is not affiliated with the IRS and cannot file Form 4506 on your behalf. It transmits the completed, signed form to the destination number you provide and returns a delivery confirmation. The IRS instructions are the source of truth for the destination, fee, and timing — they change.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Form 4506 or 4506-T?
Use 4506-T whenever a transcript will satisfy the requirement — it's free, faster, and easier. Reserve 4506 for situations where an exact filed-return copy is specifically required.
How much does Form 4506 cost?
There's a per-copy fee published in the current Form 4506 instructions. The amount has changed over time; pull the latest from IRS.gov.
How long does it take to get the return back?
Historically several weeks. Transcripts via 4506-T are dramatically faster.
Which fax number do I use?
The Form 4506 instructions list the current RAIVS unit fax numbers by address. Use the current numbers from the latest instructions.
Do I need a fax machine?
No. SecurelyFax sends from email, browser upload, or phone scan.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-30