Who can legally ask for your tax return?

Asked by: Friedrich Botsford  |  Last update: October 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)

IRC Section 6103(d) provides that return information may be shared with state agencies responsible for tax administration. The state agency must request this information in writing, and the request must be signed by an official designated to request tax information.

Who can legally ask for your tax return online?

Voluntary Disclosure of Tax Returns

Taxpayers may request that the IRS disclose tax records to a third party. This is done by providing written authorization to the agency. Taxpayers may also authorize a third-party designee by checking a box on their return. That authorization expires after one year.

Can someone request your tax return?

If you are not the taxpayer, you must provide appropriate authorization to receive copies of tax returns or claims. Appropriate authorization includes one of the following: • A letter signed by the taxpayer authorizing the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to release the requested material to you.

Can people look up your tax returns?

Individual income tax returns are not public information. They are private and any unauthorized disclosure of the returns or the information contained within is prohibited by law. The IRS cannot release any taxpayer information except to some individuals and agencies with special privileges.

Can a company ask for your tax returns?

While many people have the gut reaction that this type of request is improper, as the article notes, there is arguably nothing legally that limits employers from asking for this information. Of course, the improper use of this information could result in liability for the employer who obtains the information.

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Are tax returns public information?

State tax returns can be accessible, but it is much more difficult to gather any strong sense of how to access state tax records, even as the owner of a business. For instance, in California — you need to log on to the state MyFTB website.

Is a tax return confidential?

IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, includes a full list of taxpayers' rights. It includes The Right to Confidentiality. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized by the taxpayer or by law.

Who can access your tax return?

Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code generally prohibits the IRS from disclosing taxpayer information to any outside agency. There are some exceptions: The IRS can, on written request, share information with state agencies responsible for state tax administration.

What business records are public?

These records include business licenses, articles of incorporation, government inspection ratings (in the case of a business that requires them, such as a restaurant), and more. Usually, you can find these by searching on the county or state's business licensing website where the company is headquartered.

Can employers check your tax history?

This higher level of screening involves taking the applicant's fingerprints. Generally, if prints are not taken, tax records will not be examined. For some positions, the employer may require candidates to submit their tax records and file with the IRS to release private information for a complete tax background check.

Who can subpoena tax returns?

Title 26, United States Code, Section 6103(i)(1) provides for tax information to be obtained upon the grant of an ex parte order by a Federal district court judge or magistrate judge for use in criminal investigations.

Why do lawyers ask for tax returns?

Tax Returns Can Be Used To Help Project Likely Future Earnings (Or Losses) When it comes to proving loss of the ability to earn wages in the future, expert witnesses are sometimes required to properly prove the claim.

Is it illegal to release someone's tax return?

You are probably aware the law protects your tax return information from disclosure to other parties by the Internal Revenue Service. IRC Section 6103 generally prohibits the release of tax information by an IRS employee.

Can the IRS look at your bank account without permission?

The Short Answer: Yes. Share: The IRS probably already knows about many of your financial accounts, and the IRS can get information on how much is there. But, in reality, the IRS rarely digs deeper into your bank and financial accounts unless you're being audited or the IRS is collecting back taxes from you.

Can a landlord ask for your tax return?

How to request and review tax returns from applicants. Always clearly state in your rental application process that you require the most recent tax returns, typically for the past two years. This gives a comprehensive view of the prospective renter's financial stability and consistency over time.

Who can I ask questions about my taxes?

Otherwise, you may call the Information Center toll-free at 1-800-400-7115 or visit the nearest California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Field Office. We will respond as quickly as possible. Our goal is to answer all of your questions within 9 business days.

Are company tax returns public record?

Federal corporate tax returns are confidential and protected from public disclosure under Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 (P.L.

What legal documents are public record?

Within law enforcement, public records could include:
  • Incident reports.
  • Arrest records.
  • Criminal investigations.
  • Public safety alerts.
  • Police logs.

Are LLC owners public record?

* Although the California Articles of Organization do not list the members of the LLC in the Artiles, California requires the LLC to file a Statement of Information within 90 days of the approval of the LLC. The Statement of Information does require a list of the LLC's members, and it does become public record.

Who has the authority to collect taxes?

The United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1, states, “The Congress shall have the Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States. “

Can someone get your tax return?

Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) Enforcement

One of the Tax Division's highest priorities is prosecuting people who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fake tax returns that claim tax refunds.

Is it safe to share tax returns?

Before we get to the "how," it's helpful to start with the "why" behind protecting your tax forms when you share them digitally. Your tax forms can hold a vast amount of personally identifiable information (PII), including: Your Social Security Number (SSN) Your full name and residential address.

Can anyone look at your tax returns?

And in fact, Internal Revenue Service tax code prohibits disclosure of tax returns by the government except under very specific circumstances. But disclosure of the information by third-party companies –- that's a different matter.

Can you subpoena the IRS for someone's tax returns?

Under California law, plaintiffs enjoy what is referred to as a “tax return privilege.” The various statutes making it a misdemeanor for taxing authorities to disclose confidential tax return information (see e.g. Rev. & Tax. C. §§ 19542, 7056) impliedly creates this privilege.

Who can touch your federal tax return?

The U.S. Treasury Department allows the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) – the people who cut your IRS refund check – to keep your refund in cases where you owe money to government agencies.