What Is IRS Form 2848: Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative?
Let me explain IRS Form 2848 directly: it's the document you use to authorize an individual or organization to represent you before the IRS, such as during an audit. Federal law keeps your tax return information confidential, so you have to file this form if you want anyone else to access or inspect that information and act on your behalf with the IRS.
Key Takeaways on Form 2848
You need to know that Form 2848 lets individuals or organizations represent you in IRS matters. These representatives can be attorneys, CPAs, or enrolled agents. Remember, authorizing someone via this form doesn't remove your tax liability.
What Is the Purpose of Form 2848?
Form 2848 functions like a power of attorney but isn't identical, and it doesn't relieve you of tax liability. When you sign it, you're allowing your designated agent—say, a CPA or attorney—to receive your confidential tax info, sign IRS agreements on specified tax returns, request more time for tax assessments or adjustments, and sign your return in limited situations.
Those limited situations include if you're dealing with a disease, injury, or if you're out of the U.S. for at least 60 days before the filing deadline. In other cases, like being on vacation around filing time, you'd need to request IRS permission in writing for someone to sign for you.
This form isn't a full grant of power; your agent can't endorse refund checks, direct electronic deposits to their account, or substitute another agent unless you specifically allow it.
Revoking Form 2848
If you need to revoke a previous authorization, just write 'REVOKE' across a new Form 2848, sign it, and send it to the IRS along with a copy of the original form.
Who Can File Form 2848?
Anyone wanting IRS representation can submit Form 2848. Authorized representatives include attorneys, law firms, CPAs, and enrolled agents who can fully represent you. Related individuals like family or fiduciaries can act as third-party reps, but their role is limited—they can only represent you in front of certain IRS staff and can't sign agreements, waivers, or documents for you.
How to File Form 2848
To make Form 2848 effective, specify the tax matter, like income taxes, the form number such as 1040, and the exact year or period, like 2020—general terms like 'all forms' or 'all years' won't work. Provide your agent's details: name, address, phone, fax, PTIN (which they renew annually), and CAF number for IRS identification.
You must sign the form. If you're filing jointly, each spouse needs a separate Form 2848, even if using the same representative. All pages are available on the IRS website.
Form 2848 vs. Form 8821
Form 2848 lets a power of attorney represent you before the IRS, while Form 8821 only authorizes someone to receive and inspect your confidential tax info without representing you. Use Form 8821 if you just need to share info, like for a mortgage application.
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