What is the purpose of the IRS Form 4506?

The purpose of IRS Form 4506 is to request a copy of a previously filed tax return. This form is particularly useful for individuals or businesses who need to access copies of their tax returns for various reasons, such as applying for loans, verifying income for mortgage applications, or resolving tax disputes. The form allows taxpayers to specify which tax year they need the copies for and provides the IRS with the necessary information to locate those returns efficiently.

Other options do not pertain to the function of Form 4506. For instance, applying for a tax refund is generally done through a different process, often involving Form 1040 or specific refund request forms. Amending a tax return is accomplished using Form 1040-X, while reporting unfiled tax liabilities might involve other forms or communication with the IRS entirely. Form 4506 is specifically designed for accessing previous filings, making it a vital tool for taxpayers needing that information.