Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Edition Rev. August 2021 2 pages

Form 4506-F — Identity Theft Victim's Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return

The one-page IRS request that lets an identity theft victim see the fake return filed under their name.

Fill out Form 4506-F online View the form Free on every FileIt plan
Form 4506-F · Identity Theft Victim's Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return
The official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form, edition Rev. August 2021 — blank
Page 1 of 2
Form 4506-F (2021) Identity Theft Victim's Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return — page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2
Form 4506-F (2021) Identity Theft Victim's Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return — page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2
Fill this form online Blank PDF from Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

What is Form 4506-F?

Form 4506-F is how a victim of tax-related identity theft asks the Internal Revenue Service for a copy of a fraudulent return that someone filed using their name and social security number. The IRS sends back a transcript of that return. Some details are masked, but enough is left to show how your personal information was used — the employer listed, the income claimed, the refund requested.

The IRS can only release the return to someone whose name and SSN were listed as the primary or secondary taxpayer. If your SSN was only used to claim you as a dependent, this form can't get the return for you. A parent can ask for a minor child's return, and a representative or court-appointed guardian or executor can ask on someone else's behalf with proof of their authority.

FileIt walks you through the four steps, prints your answers into the IRS's own PDF and keeps a copy in your vault. You sign it and mail or fax it to the IRS yourself — FileIt never sends anything to the IRS.

Who fills it
The person whose SSN was used on a fraudulent return, or their parent, representative, guardian or executor.
Sent to
IRS, Fresno, CA 93725 by mail, or by fax to 855-807-5720 — one method, not both.
Years covered
The current tax year and the six years before it.
Signatures
The taxpayer on line 2 or the requestor on line 6 signs and dates it.
Edition
Rev. August 2021
Agency
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of the Treasury

Who needs to fill out Form 4506-F?

  • People who learned that a tax return was filed with their SSN without their knowledge, for example after an IRS letter or a rejected e-file.
  • Spouses whose name and SSN appeared as the secondary taxpayer on a fake joint return.
  • Parents or legal guardians of a minor child whose SSN was used as the primary taxpayer.
  • Representatives named on Form 2848, and guardians, executors or others named on court documents, acting for a victim.

When to use Form 4506-F

  • After you've reported the identity theft and want to see what the fraudulent return claimed.
  • When you need the details of the fake return for a police report, an employer, or your own records.
  • Not when your SSN was only listed as a dependent on someone else's return — the IRS can't release that return to you.
  • Not for a copy of your own genuine return: that's Form 4506 or a transcript through Form 4506-T.

What you need before you start

  • The SSN used on the fraudulent return and the name that appeared on it.
  • The SSN owner's current mailing address, and the address on the last return filed if it's different.
  • If you're asking for someone else: your SSN or other taxpayer identification number, your name and mailing address, and your CAF number if you have one.
  • If your authority isn't on file with the IRS: a copy of the Form 2848, Form 8821 or court order (not needed for a parent asking about a minor child).
  • The tax years you want, within the current year and the six before it.
  • A daytime phone number.

What’s on Form 4506-F

The 2021 edition has 2 pages. FileIt asks for it in 4 parts, and it is signed by Requestor:

  1. Step 1: The taxpayer whose SSN was usedRequestor
  2. Step 2: Who is askingRequestor
  3. Step 3: Tax yearsRequestor
  4. Step 4: SignRequestor

How to fill out Form 4506-F, step by step

1 Step 1: The taxpayer

Enter the SSN and name used on the fraudulent return, then the SSN owner's current mailing address, including a P.O. box if that's where mail goes. Line 4 is the address on the last return filed, only if it differs. If the addresses differ and you haven't told the IRS, the instructions say to file Form 8822 as well.

2 Step 2: Line 5, your relationship

Tick the one box that fits: self, parent or guardian of a minor child, representative on Form 2848, or guardian, executor or representative named in court documents.

3 Step 2: Line 6, the requestor

If you're not the taxpayer, give your SSN or other TIN, your name and the address where the IRS should send the documents. FileIt hides this block when you choose "Self", because the form asks for it only if it differs from Step 1. Line 6a is your CAF number, if your authority for those years is already on file.

4 Step 3: Tax years

List each year you want, such as 2024, 2025. FileIt checks that each one falls within the current year and the six before it.

5 Step 4: Sign

Print your name and give a daytime phone number, then sign and date. The form warns not to sign until every applicable line is filled in, because incomplete requests are rejected and sent back.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Leaving an applicable line blank — the IRS rejects incomplete or illegible requests and returns them.
  • Mailing and faxing the same request, which the instructions ask you not to do.
  • Asking for a return on which your SSN appeared only as a dependent.
  • A representative or guardian forgetting to enclose proof of authority when it isn't already on file.
  • Requesting a year older than the six-year window.
  • Using a new address the IRS doesn't know about without also filing Form 8822.

After you fill it out

Print the PDF, sign and date it, and choose one way to send it. By mail: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93725 (a private delivery service ships to 3211 S Northpointe Dr, Fresno, CA 93725, marked "Identity Theft - Request for Fraudulent Return"). By fax: 855-807-5720, with a cover sheet marked "Confidential".

The IRS mails the transcript to the address on the form. Compare it with your records and keep it with your identity theft paperwork, such as your Form 14039 and any IRS letters.

FileIt keeps the completed form in the person's vault folder, so the request and the transcript you receive can sit side by side.

Fill out Form 4506-F online with FileIt

  1. Pick the person. Choose someone from People and FileIt fills in their name, date of birth, address and other details it already knows.
  2. Answer plain-language questions. One part of the form at a time, with the official help text beside each question — 18 fields in all. Your answers save as you go.
  3. Check the live preview. Watch your answers land on the real Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form, and let FileIt do any worksheet arithmetic.
  4. Generate the official PDF. FileIt prints your answers into the agency’s own PDF and files it in that person’s folder in your vault. Sign it, or send it for e-signature.

FileIt fills the form — it never files or submits anything for you. Deliver the finished form to whoever asked for it, the way the form’s instructions say.

Start Form 4506-F now — it’s free

Form 4506-F: frequently asked questions

What will I actually receive?

A transcript of the fraudulent return, not a photocopy. The IRS masks or partly masks some entries, but leaves enough to show how your name and SSN were used.

Can I get a return where I was claimed as a dependent?

No. The form explains that federal privacy law only lets the IRS disclose the return to someone listed as the primary or secondary taxpayer on it.

How far back can I go?

The instructions allow the current tax year and the previous six tax years.

Can I ask for my child's fake return?

Yes, as a parent or legal guardian of a minor child. Tick the second box on line 5. The instructions say you don't need to enclose authority documents in that case.

Can I fill out Form 4506-F online?

With FileIt you answer guided questions and the answers are printed into the official IRS PDF. The IRS takes the form by mail or fax, so you sign it and send it yourself.

Is this the same as reporting identity theft?

No. Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, reports the theft. Form 4506-F only asks for a copy of the fraudulent return.

Official sources

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-10-19.

Fill out Form 4506-F online