Homepage / Fill in a Valid Tax POA form Template
Jump Links

The Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form is a crucial document for individuals looking to authorize someone else to act on their behalf regarding tax matters. This form allows taxpayers to give permission to an agent, such as an attorney or accountant, to deal directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authorities. By completing the Tax POA, taxpayers ensure that their agents can access tax information, communicate regarding tax issues, and represent them during various tax processes. The form requires essential details, including the taxpayer’s information, the representative's details, and the specific tax matters for which authority is granted. Additionally, it can cover past and future tax periods, providing flexibility in its application. Understanding the nuances of this form can help taxpayers navigate their financial responsibilities with greater ease, granting peace of mind that their tax affairs are in capable hands.

Tax POA form Example

REV-677 LE (05-14)

pennsylvania

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND

 

DECLARATION OF

 

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

REPRESENTATIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

This form provides limited authority for department representatives to speak about confidential tax matters with designated third parties. Such authority is limited to the tax period, tax type and the specific issue/purpose identified herein.

While tax practitioners are encouraged to maintain appropriate declarations of authority to handle clients' tax matters within their own records, tax practitioners should not submit unsolicited REV-677 forms to the department en masse or as a matter of routine. Such forms will be disregarded.

A REV-677 form should only be submitted to an individual within the department upon an agent's request for such authorization.

If a department representative has requested a REV-677 form to authorize discussion of confidential tax matters with a third party, please return the form to the department representative as requested.

PART I

Power of Attorney

NOTE: An organization, firm or partnership may not be designated as a taxpayer’s representative.

The following taxpayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxpayer Name

 

 

 

Identifying Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

ZIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hereby appoints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appointee Name(s)

 

 

Telephone Number

 

Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

ZIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as attorney-in-fact to represent the taxpayer before any office of the PA Department of Revenue for the following tax matter(s). Specify the type(s) of tax, tax year(s) or period(s), tax return/report at issue and the specific purpose for which authorization to discuss confidential tax matters with a third-party is sought.

Type(s) of tax

Tax Year(s) or Period(s)

Tax Return/Form

Purpose for Authorization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The attorney-in-fact is authorized, subject to revocation, to receive confidential information and perform any and all acts the principal can perform with respect to the above-specified tax matters, excluding the power to receive refund checks and the power to sign the return, unless specifically granted below.

Initial here

 

to grant the power to receive – but not to endorse or cash – refund checks for the above-referenced tax matters to

the appointee

named above.

 

Only if this form is being submitted to the department in response to an audit, provide an address below to which copies may be sent of notices and other written communications addressed to the taxpayer in proceedings involving the above-specified tax matters.

Appointee Name(s)

 

Telephone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State ZIP

Address

 

City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This power of attorney revokes all earlier powers of attorney and tax information authorizations on file with the PA Department of Revenue for the same matters and years or periods covered by this power of attorney, except the following:

Granter Name

 

Date MM/DD/YYYY

 

 

 

Refer to attached copies of

 

 

 

 

 

earlier powers and authorizations

Address

 

City

 

 

 

 

 

State ZIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of or for taxpayer

If signed by a corporate officer, partner or fiduciary on behalf of the taxpayer, such party certifies he/she has the authority to execute this power of attorney on behalf of the taxpayer.

Signature

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

Title

Date

If the power of attorney is granted to a person other than an attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent, the taxpayer's signature must be witnessed or notarized below.

The person signing as or for the taxpayer (check and complete one):

is known to and signed in the presence of the two disinterested witnesses whose signatures appear here:

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

(Signature of Witness)

(Date)

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

(Signature of Witness)

(Date)

appeared this day before a notary public and acknowledged this power of attorney as a voluntary act and deed.

Witness

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

 

 

 

(Signature of Notary)

 

(Date)

 

PART II Declaration of Representative

I declare that I am one of the following:

1a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of the jurisdiction indicated below;

2duly qualified to practice as a certified public accountant in the jurisdiction indicated below;

3a bona fide officer of the taxpayer organization;

4a full-time employee of the taxpayer;

5a member of the taxpayer’s immediate family (spouse, parent, child, brother or sister);

6a fiduciary for the taxpayer; and/or

7 Other (specify)

 

 

 

 

;

and that I am authorized to represent the taxpayer identified in Part I for the tax matters specified therein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESIGNATION

JURISDICTION

 

 

 

(INSERT APPROPRIATE NUMBER

(STATE, ETC.)

SIGNATURE

DATE

FROM ABOVE LIST)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AFTER PRINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Name of Form Tax Power of Attorney (POA) Form
Purpose Allows an individual to appoint someone else to manage their tax matters.
Governing Law IRS regulations govern the federal form, while state-specific laws apply to state forms.
Submission Process The form must be completed and submitted to the appropriate tax authority.

Guide to Using Tax POA form

Filling out the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form is essential when you want to authorize someone to act on your behalf in tax matters. Once completed, this form will allow the designated individual to communicate with the tax authorities regarding your tax affairs. Follow the steps below to ensure proper completion of the form.

  1. Obtain the Tax POA form from the relevant tax authority's website or office.
  2. Read the instructions carefully before starting to fill out the form.
  3. Fill in your name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) in the required fields.
  4. Provide the representative’s name, address, and identification details.
  5. Indicate the specific tax matters for which the representative is authorized, such as income tax or sales tax.
  6. Specify the tax years or periods for which the authority applies.
  7. Sign and date the form where indicated to validate your authorization.
  8. Make a copy of the completed form for your records before submission.
  9. Submit the form to the appropriate tax authority per their submission guidelines.

Get Answers on Tax POA form

What is a Tax POA form?

The Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to act on their behalf regarding tax matters. This includes dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authorities. The appointed individual can represent you in discussions, filings, and decisions concerning your taxes.

Who can be designated as a representative on the Tax POA form?

You can designate any competent adult as your representative, including a family member, friend, or professional such as a tax advisor or attorney. It is important to choose someone you trust, as they will have the authority to manage your tax issues.

How does one fill out the Tax POA form?

Filling out the Tax POA form requires careful attention to detail. You will typically need to provide:

  • Your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number or tax identification number.
  • The representative's information—full name, address, and either their Social Security number or tax identification number.
  • The specific tax matters for which you are granting power of attorney.

After completing the form, ensure that you sign and date it before submitting it to the appropriate tax authority.

Do I need to submit the Tax POA form to the IRS?

Yes, the completed form must be submitted to the IRS if you are granting power of attorney for federal tax matters. You may also need to submit it to state tax authorities if your situation involves state taxes. Submitting the form allows the third party to communicate with the IRS on your behalf.

Is there a specific format for the Tax POA form?

The IRS has an official form you must use, known as Form 2848 for federal taxes. For state taxes, each state may have its own version of a POA form, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of your state.

What happens if I no longer want my representative to act on my behalf?

If you wish to revoke power of attorney, you must inform your representative in writing and submit a revocation notice to the IRS or state tax authority where the original POA was filed. A new POA form can also replace the old one if you are appointing someone else.

Can I still act on my own behalf after signing the Tax POA form?

Yes, signing the Tax POA does not prevent you from handling your own tax matters. You have the right to communicate directly with the tax authorities even if you have appointed someone else to represent you.

Are there limitations to the powers granted in a Tax POA form?

Yes, you can specify the powers granted to your representative. For example, you might limit them to specific tax years or particular types of tax matters. Clearly outlining these limitations in the form is important to prevent any miscommunication.

Is there a fee associated with filing the Tax POA form?

Generally, there is no fee required to file the Tax POA form with the IRS or state tax authorities. However, if you are using the services of a tax professional to assist with this process, you may incur fees related to their assistance.

How long is the Tax POA form valid?

The Tax POA form remains valid until you revoke it, until the representative can no longer act on your behalf, or until the authority under which the POA was granted expires. It's a good idea to regularly review your arrangements to ensure they still meet your needs.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form can be a perplexing task for many. One common mistake is neglecting to provide the correct names and addresses. Precision matters here. The IRS needs to identify both the taxpayer and the appointed representative clearly. Errors in spelling or incorrect addresses can lead to significant delays or even rejection of the form.

Another mistake often encountered is signing the form in the wrong place. The person granting power must sign the form, but they should also ensure they date it correctly. If you forget to date your signature or if the signature is not in the designated area, that could render the document incomplete. This oversight can lead to frustrating setbacks during an already stressful tax season.

Many individuals also overlook the specific powers granted to the representative. The form includes sections where you can indicate what authority the representative will have. Failing to clearly outline these powers can create confusion. Your representative may assume they have authority over matters they do not, causing complications in communications with the IRS.

Finally, not submitting the form on time can be a critical error. The deadline for submitting the Tax POA is generally when you expect to need the assistance of the representative. Delaying this step may result in losing the ability to have someone represent you during important tax discussions or audits. Being proactive prevents unnecessary problems down the line.

Documents used along the form

When individuals or businesses need to designate someone to handle their tax matters, the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form is essential. This form allows a trusted person, such as an accountant or attorney, to manage tax responsibilities with the IRS on behalf of the taxpayer. In addition to the Tax POA form, there are several other documents that may commonly accompany this form to facilitate smooth tax operations.

  • Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative: This IRS form is the official Tax POA form that empowers an individual to represent a taxpayer before the IRS, allowing them to discuss the taxpayer's account, receive confidential information, and perform actions on their behalf.
  • Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return: Taxpayers submit this form to request copies of previously filed tax returns, which may be necessary for the appointed representative to adequately assist in any disputes or matters involving those returns.
  • Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request: This form is used to request a payment plan with the IRS. If the taxpayer owes taxes and cannot pay in full, this form might be necessary for the representative to negotiate payment terms.
  • Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: The completed income tax return must often be included when filing or resolving issues with taxes. Providing this document can help clarify a taxpayer's financial situation.
  • Form 1099, Miscellaneous Income: This form reports various types of income other than wages, salaries, or tips. A representative may need access to this form to fully evaluate income sources.
  • Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement: Employers issue this form to employees, detailing wages and taxes withheld. A representative may use it to establish income amounts when resolving tax issues.
  • IRS Letter 1052: This is a notice from the IRS that identifies a taxpayer's outstanding balance. The appointed representative may refer to this correspondence when discussing amounts owed by the taxpayer.
  • State Tax Forms: Depending on the state, various forms may be required to address state-level tax issues. These forms may complement federal forms in the overall tax management process.

Understanding these accompanying documents can help both taxpayers and their appointed representatives navigate the complexities of tax matters more effectively. Each document plays a role in ensuring clarity and assisting in communication with tax authorities.

Similar forms

  • General Power of Attorney (POA): This document allows an individual to grant broad powers to another person, enabling them to make various legal decisions on their behalf. Like the Tax POA, it requires a principal and an agent.
  • Limited Power of Attorney: This is similar to the Tax POA in that it grants specific, limited powers for defined situations. While the Tax POA is focused on tax matters, the Limited POA could address other legal or financial tasks.
  • Health Care Proxy: This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of another, similar to how a Tax POA appoints someone for tax-related tasks. Both rely on the trust and capability of the agent chosen.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: A Durable POA remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated. This mirrors the Tax POA's role in enabling continued tax representation during challenging times.
  • Financial Power of Attorney: This document is focused on financial decisions, like managing bank accounts or investments. The Tax POA, while specific to taxes, also involves financial aspects and requires careful consideration of the appointed agent.
  • Living Will: Though primarily focused on healthcare decisions, a Living Will and a Tax POA both involve the management of critical life choices. They respectively deal with medical care and financial obligations, emphasizing the importance of appointing the right person to represent one's wishes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form, it's crucial to approach the task with care. This form allows a designated person to represent you in tax matters before the IRS. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do while completing this important document.

  • Do ensure that the designated representative’s name is correctly spelled.
  • Do provide your correct Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Do specify the tax matters and tax years you are granting authority for.
  • Do sign and date the form in the appropriate section.
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can cause delays.
  • Don’t use outdated versions of the form; always check IRS guidelines for the latest version.

Being thorough and organized can streamline the process. By paying attention to details and following these recommendations, you can effectively set up a Tax Power of Attorney that meets your needs.

Misconceptions

The Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form, also known as IRS Form 2848, is often misunderstood. Here are six common misconceptions about this important document:

  1. Only tax professionals can fill out the Tax POA form.

    While tax professionals frequently assist clients in completing the form, individuals can also fill it out. If a person chooses to designate someone else, they must ensure that the designated representative agrees to accept the role.

  2. The Tax POA form gives away all decision-making power.

    Many believe that signing the form transfers all decision-making powers to the appointed representative. In reality, the appointed individual only has the authority to act on specific matters outlined in the form. The taxpayer retains control over personal financial situations.

  3. The Tax POA form is only needed in case of an audit.

    This form is often associated with audits, but it serves a broader purpose. It allows a representative to operate on behalf of the taxpayer for various interactions with the IRS, such as filing returns, addressing account issues, or responding to notices.

  4. Once filed, the Tax POA form cannot be revoked.

    This is not true. Taxpayers have the right to revoke a POA at any time. The revocation must be communicated to the IRS to ensure that the former representative can no longer act on their behalf.

  5. Filing the Tax POA form will delay tax processing.

    Some people worry that submitting the form will slow down the processing of their tax returns. However, as long as the form is completed correctly and submitted appropriately, it should not affect the timeliness of tax processing.

  6. The Tax POA form is not necessary for simple tax questions.

    While some may think that simple tax inquiries do not require a POA, it is still helpful in some instances. Having a representative recognized by the IRS can streamline communication and help resolve issues more efficiently, even for minor questions.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Tax POA (Power of Attorney) form, it's important to keep in mind several key points. Here are ten essential takeaways:

  1. Understand your needs. A Tax POA allows someone to represent you in tax matters. Ensure you trust this person completely.
  2. Choose the right form. Use the IRS Form 2848 for federal tax purposes, and check if your state requires a separate form.
  3. Complete the form accurately. Provide all necessary information about both you and your representative. Double-check for mistakes that could cause delays.
  4. Specify the powers granted. Clearly outline what tasks your representative can handle on your behalf, such as filing taxes or negotiating with the IRS.
  5. Consider the duration. Decide whether the authority should be temporary or permanent and indicate this on the form.
  6. Sign and date the form. Your signature is essential for the form to be valid. Ensure you sign it in the appropriate sections.
  7. Submit the form to the IRS. Send it to the address specified in the instructions. Keep a copy for your records.
  8. Check for confirmation. The IRS may send a confirmation once they process your POA request. Follow up if you do not receive one.
  9. Know when to revoke. If you need to change your representative or revoke the POA, you’ll need to file a new form to do so.
  10. Seek help if needed. If you're unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting a tax professional for guidance.