How to Request a Copy of a Fraudulently Filed Tax Return

Discovering that someone filed a return in your name is stressful—but you’re not alone.

Identity theft is on the rise, and more taxpayers are finding out someone else has already filed a tax return using their information. If your e-file was rejected or you received an unexpected IRS notice, you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft. Understanding what to do—and how to request a copy of the fraudulent return—can help you move forward quickly and with confidence.

Quick insight: Clients can request a masked copy of the fraudulent return the IRS accepted by filing Form 4506-F, Identity Theft Victim’s Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return. Only the actual victim or their authorized representative can request it. The IRS will redact information about the identity thief for privacy purposes. Processing times are long, so set expectations early.

What your Tax Professionals Should Know About IRS Identity Theft Backlogs How to Request a Copy of a Fraudulently Filed Tax Return

These cases are complex, and IRS identity theft inventories remain elevated. Although the IRS acknowledges requests within 30 days, the average processing is currently much longer than the typical 120-day goal, with recent averages reported at 582 days. Clients who understand the timeline, documentation requirements and submission rules will experience fewer setbacks and less anxiety.

Eligibility and Information Needed to File Form 4506-F

Only the victim of identity theft (the primary or secondary taxpayer on the fraudulent return) or their authorized representative may request the copy. Dependents and other parties cannot.

Requests must include the taxpayer’s name, SSN or ITIN, mailing address, affected tax year(s), and signature.

If a representative files the request, attach proof of authority such as Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization), and provide the CAF number if applicable.

Use Form 4506-F whenever possible. The IRS will also accept a signed written request that contains all required elements, but use of the official form is preferred and helps prevent rejections.

How to Submit Form 4506-F to Request a Fraudulent Tax Return

The IRS must resolve the underlying identity theft case before releasing the fraudulent return transcript. You may request the current year and up to the previous six years’ returns by sending Form 4506-F by one method only (mail or fax, not both):

Mail to:

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Fresno, CA 93725

Private delivery services:

Ship to 3211 S Northpointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93725

Label: “Identity Theft – Request for Fraudulent Return”

Fax:

Toll-free to 855-807-5720 with a confidential cover sheet

If the address on your request does not match the IRS address of record, the request will be rejected. Update the IRS address first using Form 8822 (Change of Address) for individuals or Form 8822-B for businesses.

Example: You moved from 123 Oak St to 456 Pine Ave. Update your address with Form 8822, then submit Form 4506-F.

What Information the IRS Provides in a Fraudulent Tax Return Copy

The IRS will send a masked transcript of the return that was fraudulently filed and processed with the client’s information. To protect other potential victims and comply with privacy law, the IRS follows these rules:

• Names are truncated to the first four letters

• Addresses are partially obscured

• TINs and EINs show only the last four digits

• Bank, phone, and preparer numbers are redacted

Even with masking, there’s enough detail provided to understand how the client’s data was misused.

A Practical Example of Resolving a Fraudulent Tax Return Case

A client attempts to e-file a 2024 return and receives a rejection stating a return was already filed under their SSN. Here’s how you guide them:

1. File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) or Form 14039-B (Business Identity Theft Affidavit) if not already filed, and confirm the IRS is treating the account as an identity theft case.

2. Prepare and submit Form 4506-F for 2024 to obtain the masked transcript of the fraudulent return.

3. Explain that processing may take many months, then set regular check-in points so the client knows what to expect.

4. After the IRS resolves the case, help the client secure an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for future filings.

Tips to Avoid Delays and Rejections When Filing Form 4506-F

• Use Form 4506-F and complete every required field. Incomplete requests aren’t processed.

• Ensure the taxpayer’s IRS address of record matches the request. If it doesn’t, file Form 8822 first.

• Remind clients that dependents can’t request copies. Only primary or secondary taxpayers qualify.

• Document conversations about timelines and next steps to reduce follow-ups during the long processing window.

How to Request a Copy of a Fraudulently Filed Tax Return