Washington, DC – October 29, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today applauded an announcement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that it will soon begin allowing electronic signatures on Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The IRS has indicated it expects to begin accepting electronic signatures on the 4506-T in January, 2013.
The tax return transcript, which enables lenders to validate a borrower’s reported income, is required in virtually all mortgage loan originations, as well as loan modifications. The acceptance of electronic signatures on the request form will reduce paperwork requirements for lenders and borrowers, and should speed the process for closing or modifying a loan.
“The current process for requesting a borrower’s tax return transcript is labor intensive and time consuming,” said MBA President and CEO David H. Stevens. “With this announcement, the IRS is making this process much easier and more efficient. As anyone who has purchased or refinanced a home can attest, the volume of paperwork involved can be quite burdensome. Allowing for electronic signatures will save time and reduce the likelihood of errors or loss of documents. This is a win for consumers and lenders alike.”
MBA has long advocated for the IRS to accept electronic signatures on Form 4506-T and has worked closely with the IRS on this and related initiatives. MBA will continue to work closely with the IRS to ensure a smooth implementation process.
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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 280,000 people in virtually every community in the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation’s residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,200 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA’s Web site: www.mortgagebankers.org.
