When a copy of your tax return isn’t sufficient proof of your income, obtain a certified copy from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS offers two classifications of proof – a tax transcript and a certified return. A tax transcript, which the IRS provides free of charge, includes only an outline of your tax return. A certified return is an actual copy of the return and any additional schedules that you filed with the IRS. The IRS stamps the return as “Certified,” making it a binding document. As of 2012, the IRS charges a $57 fee for each certified return.
Form 4506
To request a certified copy of your tax return, you must use Form 4506. You can download Form 4506 directly from the IRS website. If you do not have access to a printer, call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM and have the form mailed to you.
Filling Out the Form
To fill out Form 4506, provide your personal information, such as your name, current address and Social Security number. Indicate the type of return and year you are requesting. Generally, personal returns are Form 1040, corporate returns are Form 1120 and employer quarterly returns are Form 941. You must fill out a separate 4506 for each type of return. Make sure that you check the box labeled “If the copies must be certified” or the IRS will omit this step.
Payment
The IRS charges a fee for each certified return you request. If you are requesting returns for multiple years, you must pay the fee for each copy. Make your check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury.” Write your Social Security number and “Form 4506” on the check or money order. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the final page of the form.
Additional Information
You cannot request a certified copy of your tax return online or over the phone. If the IRS does not have the information requested on file, you will receive a refund for the processing fee. Allow 60 days for the IRS to process your request.