How to get IRS tax transcripts for a small business: online or Form 4506-T

Who it is for

An owner who needs a tax return, tax account, record of account or entity transcript: for a lender, to reconstruct missing records, or to see penalties and payments the IRS has posted.

When to use it

Try the online account first; it is the fastest route the IRS names. Use the cover note with Form 4506-T only when the online account is not available to you, for example a single-member LLC filing Schedule C, which the Business Tax Account does not yet serve.

The deadline and form it relates to

• The IRS lists three ways to get a business transcript: the business tax account, Form 4506-T by mail, or the business and specialty tax line (IRS — Get a business tax transcript).
• After e-filing, allow 2-3 weeks before requesting a transcript; after paper filing, allow 6-8 weeks (IRS — Get a business tax transcript).
• The Business Tax Account is not yet available to LLCs that file as sole proprietors on Schedule C or Schedule F (IRS — Business Tax Account).
• Personal transcripts can also be requested by mail through the automated line at 800-908-9946 (IRS — Get your tax records and transcripts).
• The IRS must receive Form 4506-T within 120 days of the date it was signed, or it will be rejected (IRS — Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return (April 2025)).

The template

Replace every [BRACKETED] field and delete any line that does not apply. Keep a copy of everything you send.

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST — COVER NOTE FOR FORM 4506-T

[DATE]

Internal Revenue Service
RAIVS Team
[ADDRESS FROM THE FORM 4506-T CHART FOR THE STATE WHERE YOU LIVED OR YOUR BUSINESS WAS WHEN THE RETURN WAS FILED]

Re: Request for transcripts — Form 4506-T enclosed
Name on the return: [NAME, exactly as filed]
Taxpayer identification number: [EIN for a business return; SSN for a Form 1040 with Schedule C]

Enclosed is a signed Form 4506-T requesting:
[ ] Return transcript   [ ] Account transcript   [ ] Record of account   [ ] Verification of non-filing
Tax form: [e.g. 1120-S, 1065, 941, 1040]
Periods: [e.g. 12/31/2023, 12/31/2024]

[FOR AN ENTITY: The document authorizing the signer is attached, e.g. a letter from the principal officer.]
[IF A LENDER GAVE YOU A CUSTOMER FILE NUMBER: It is entered on the form so it prints on the transcript.]

Transcripts are mailed only to the address of record: [CURRENT ADDRESS ON FILE WITH THE IRS].

[SIGNATURE]
[PRINTED NAME], [TITLE]
[DAYTIME PHONE]

Signed on [DATE] — the IRS must receive the form within 120 days of this date.

What to attach

• Form 4506-T with every applicable line completed and the authority box in the signature area checked.
• For a corporation, partnership or other entity: the document that authorizes the person signing.
• Form 2848, if a representative signs for you.

Where to send it

• For a return filed while you or your business was in Utah, the Form 4506-T chart lists Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, P.O. Box 9941, Mail Stop 6734, Ogden, UT 84409, fax 855-298-1145 (IRS — Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return (April 2025)).
• The form says to mail or fax it to the address for the state you lived in, or your business was in, when the return was filed (IRS — Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return (April 2025)).

Official forms and pages

• Business Tax Account (IRS)
• Form 4506-T (PDF, IRS)