Many commercial lenders are asking prospective mortgage applicants to sign IRS Form 4506 a "Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form" as part of the application process. Once signed, it serves as the lender’s springboard to receive copies of your tax return directly from the IRS for as far back as 4 years (or beyond). There are, presently, no foolproof processes in place to stonewall the distribution or retention of the return, or to control who can scrutinize your income and business return(s). Ordinarily submitting copies of previously filed tax returns is required preparatory to loan approval, but be wary of signing a blanket authorization for the lender to delve into data on a continuing basis, without controls in place to insure privacy.