Fill in a Valid Tax POA form 3520-BE Template

The Tax POA form 3520-BE is a document that allows individuals to designate a representative to handle their tax matters with the IRS. This form is particularly important for those seeking assistance in managing their tax obligations. If you need help with your taxes, consider filling out this form by clicking the button below.

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The Tax Power of Attorney (POA) Form 3520-BE plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when it comes to the management of tax obligations. Designed for individuals who wish to appoint a representative to act on their behalf, this form streamlines the process of dealing with tax matters, ensuring that taxpayers can receive guidance and support without needing to navigate the complexities of tax law alone. The form requires detailed information, including the taxpayer's name, identification number, and the representative's details. It grants specific powers, allowing the appointed individual to handle various tasks such as filing returns, accessing information, and negotiating with the IRS. This delegation of authority not only alleviates the burden on taxpayers but also enhances the efficiency of tax administration by ensuring that knowledgeable representatives can advocate for them effectively. Understanding the nuances of this form is essential for anyone looking to manage their taxes proactively and ensure compliance while benefitting from professional oversight.

Tax POA form 3520-BE Example

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Franchise Tax Board

Business Entity or Group Nonresident	■	CALIFORNIA FORM

Power of Attorney Declaration		3520-BE

Use this legal document to authorize a specific individual(s) to receive confidential information and represent you in all matters before the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

Part I – Business Entity Information

Check only one box below. If you select both boxes, your POA Declaration will be invalid and will be rejected.

Business Entity			540NR Group Nonresident Return
□ (A subsidiary not included with the unitary taxpayer’s group tax		□ (If the POA Declaration is related to matters for
return must file its own POA Declaration)			the 540NR group nonresident tax return)
Full legal business name


CA corporation number	CA SOS number (or FTB issued number) FEIN				Phone


Street address (number and street) or PO box						Apt. no./ste. no.


City (If the business entity has a foreign address, see instructions.)				State		ZIP code


Foreign country name		Foreign province/state/county				Foreign postal code

Part II – Representative(s)

Only individuals may be named as representative(s). You must list a primary representative below. The business entity in Part I appoints the following individual(s) as attorney(s)-in-fact. To appoint additional representative(s), complete Side 4. Each representative listed on your POA Declaration will have the ability to remove a representative from your POA Declaration.

Primary representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)

CA CPA	CA state bar number	CTEC	Enrolled agent number		PTIN


Street address (number and street) or PO box						Apt. no./ste. no.

City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)				State		ZIP code


Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)			Phone			Fax


Additional representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)


CA CPA	CA state bar number	CTEC	Enrolled agent number		PTIN


Street address (number and street) or PO box						Apt. no./ste. no.


City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)				State		ZIP code


Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)			Phone			Fax

■

8561193

FTB 3520-BE 2019 Side 1

■

Part III – Authorization for All Years or Specific Income Periods Your POA Declaration Covers

You must check either the “Yes” or “No” box below. Your selection authorizes representatives in Part II and on Side 4 to contact FTB about your account, receive and inspect your confidential information, represent you in all FTB matters, and request information we receive from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for either question 1 or 2 indicated below.

If you authorize “all years” and “specific income periods,” the specific income periods privilege prevails. Enter “NA” (not applicable) or strike through any blank year fields in question 2a through 2d. If you do not check either the “Yes” or “No” box or check both the “Yes” and “No” box, we will process the authorization as a “No.” This may cause your POA Declaration to be invalid, and it may be rejected. If you authorized all years, this will include previous, current, and future years up to the expiration date. If you authorized “specific income periods,” you can designate future years or income periods up to fve years from the POA Declaration signature date.

1.	Authorized All Years	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . □Yes	□No
	Or	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . □Yes	□No
2.	Authorized Specifc Income Periods*	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . □Yes	□No
	Year Begins:	Year Ends:
	(mm/dd/yyyy)	(mm/dd/yyyy)

		2a.
		2b.
* For example,		2c.
Single Year:	01/01/2019-12/31/2019	2c.
Year Range:	01/01/2019-06/30/2019	2d.
Multiple Years:	01/01/2017-12/31/2019	2d.

–

Part IV – Additional Authorizations

Check either the “Yes” or “No” box below for additional authorizations you would like to grant your representative(s) in addition to those described in Part III. If you do not check either the “Yes” or “No” box or check both the “Yes” and “No” box for any additional authorizations below, we will process the authorization as a “No.” For more information, see instructions.

1.	Add representative(s)	□Yes	□No
2.	Receive, but not endorse, refund check(s)	□Yes	□No
3.	Waive the California statutes of limitations (SOL)	□Yes	□No
4.	Execute settlement and closing agreements	□Yes	□No
5.	Other acts (describe on Side 5)	□Yes	□No

Side 2 FTB 3520-BE 2019

8562193

■

Part V – Request or Retain MyFTB Full Online Account Access for Tax Professional(s)

You must check either the “Yes” or “No” box below. If you check the “Yes” box, you are requesting to authorize or retain full online account access for your tax professional(s), including the ability to view tax returns and take available actions based upon the year(s) designated on this declaration. If you requested full online account access for your tax professional(s) on your POA declaration, a separate notice will be mailed to you with an authorization code and instructions to approve or deny the online account access request. An authorization code will not be sent for tax professional(s) that have existing full online account access.

If you check the “No” box, both the “Yes” and “No” boxes, or do not check any box, we will process the authorization as a “No”, and your tax professional(s) will be granted limited online account access; any existing relationships with full online account access will be changed to limited online account access. Limited online account access includes viewing notices and most correspondence issued by FTB in the last 12 months.

This online account access authorization does not affect their ability to take actions on your behalf or the information your representative can receive by phone, chat, or in person.

If your POA declaration is rejected, this request for online access will not be processed and no updates will be made to online access levels for any existing relationships.

Note: Online access is not available for 540NR Group Nonresident Return accounts.

Authorize MyFTB Full Online Account Access for Tax Professional(s)

□Yes □No

Part VI – Signature Authorizing Power of Attorney Declaration

To learn about your privacy rights, how we may use your information, and the consequences for not providing the requested information, go to ftb.ca.gov/forms and search for 1131. To request this notice by mail, call 800.852.5711.

The authority granted to the representative(s) in this POA Declaration will generally expire six years from the date this form is signed, or on the date that a POA declaration is revoked, whichever occurs first.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I am a corporate officer, general partner, authorized managing member, or tax matter partner on behalf of the business entity in Part I, and that I have the authority to sign this form on behalf of the business entity.

I understand that submitting this POA Declaration will not revoke any previously submitted POA Declarations with overlapping privileges.

FTB will reject this POA Declaration if not signed and dated by an authorized individual.

By signing this POA declaration, I understand that FTB will grant limited online account access to my tax professional representative(s) unless full online account access has been requested in Part V. If you do not want your tax professional representative(s) to have any online access, refer to Part V instructions.

Print Name		Title (required for business entities)


Signature		Date

8563193

FTB 3520-BE 2019 Side 3

■

The business entity in Part I appoints the following additional representative(s) as attorney(s)-in-fact. Include additional copies of this page as needed to list all representatives. Do not return this page if blank.

Additional representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)

CA CPA

CA state bar number

CTEC

Enrolled agent number

PTIN

Street address (number and street) or PO box

Apt. no./ste. no.

City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)

State

ZIP code

._________________,

._____

____,

Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)

Phone

Fax

Additional representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)

CA CPA

CA state bar number

CTEC

Enrolled agent number

PTIN

Street address (number and street) or PO box

Apt. no./ste. no.

City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)

State

ZIP code

._________________,

._____

____,

Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)

Phone

Fax

Additional representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)

CA CPA

CA state bar number

CTEC

Enrolled agent number

PTIN

Street address (number and street) or PO box

Apt. no./ste. no.

City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)

State

ZIP code

._________________,

._____

____,

Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)

Phone

Fax

Additional representative’s name (first name, middle initial, and last name)

CA CPA

CA state bar number

CTEC

Enrolled agent number

PTIN

Street address (number and street) or PO box

Apt. no./ste. no.

City (If the representative has a foreign address, see instructions.)

State

ZIP code

._________________,

._____

____,

Email (include your representative’s email address to ensure they receive email notifications)

Phone

Fax

■ Side 4 FTB 3520-BE 2019

8564193

■

Other Acts Authorization(s)

Submit this page if you selected Yes to the Other Acts Authorization box from Part IV. If you did not select “Yes,” or selected both “Yes” and “No” within Part IV, we will disregard this page without the listed authorizations being granted. Describe the specific other acts you authorize your representative(s) named in Part II (and on Side 4) to perform before FTB. Authorizations listed in Part III and Part IV prevail over conflicting authorizations listed in this section. Do not return this page if blank.

8565193

FTB 3520-BE 2019 Side 5

Click for Tax POA form 3520-BE File

File Breakdown

Fact Name	Details
Form Purpose	The Tax POA form 3520-BE is used for granting authority to an individual to act on your behalf for tax matters.
Eligibility	Any taxpayer, including individuals and businesses, can use this form to designate a Power of Attorney.
Governing Law	The form is governed under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and applicable state laws.
Signing Requirement	The form must be signed by the taxpayer granting the Power of Attorney.
Duration of Authority	The authority granted to the appointed representative lasts until revoked by the taxpayer.
Submission Process	This form can be submitted to the IRS and should be kept on file for your records.
State-Specific Forms	Some states may require their own Power of Attorney forms, depending on state laws.
Revocation	A taxpayer can revoke the Power of Attorney at any time by submitting a written request to the IRS.

Guide to Using Tax POA form 3520-BE

Once you have your Tax POA form 3520-BE, you're ready to begin the process of filling it out. Understand that this form is important for authorizing someone to act on your behalf regarding tax matters. Take your time, ensure that all information is accurate, and double-check your entries to avoid any potential issues.

Start by collecting all necessary personal information, including your name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and address.
Next, find the section where you must designate the individual you are giving power of attorney to. This could be a family member, friend, or tax professional.
Fill in the appointee's details, which include their name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
Indicate what kind of authority you wish to grant. There will typically be options for limited or general power of attorney. Choose accordingly.
If there are specific tax matters or forms you want to include or exclude, make those selections clearly in the designated section of the form.
In the signature section, sign and date the form. Ensure that your signature matches the name you provided at the top of the form.
Finally, make copies of your completed form for your records before sending it to the appropriate tax agency.

Get Answers on Tax POA form 3520-BE

What is the Tax POA form 3520-BE?

The Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form 3520-BE is an official document that allows taxpayers to designate an individual or entity to handle specific tax matters on their behalf. This form grants authority to the appointed representative to receive tax information and correspond with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding tax issues, ensuring that taxpayers can get professional help when they need it.

Who should use form 3520-BE?

This form is ideal for anyone who is unable to manage their tax affairs, whether due to time constraints, lack of knowledge, or other personal circumstances. Common users include:

Individuals with complex tax situations
Small business owners needing guidance
Those facing audits or disputes with the IRS

How do I complete the form?

To successfully fill out form 3520-BE, follow these steps:

Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
Enter the information of the person or entity you are authorizing.
Clearly outline the matters for which you are granting authority.
Sign and date the form to validate it.

Is there a fee to submit this form?

No, there is no fee associated with submitting the Tax POA form 3520-BE to the IRS. However, if you work with a tax professional to handle your representation, they may charge a fee for their services.

How do I submit form 3520-BE?

You can submit form 3520-BE to the IRS in several ways. The most common methods include:

Mailing the completed form to the address specified for your circumstances
Submitting the form electronically through a tax professional

Can I revoke the Power of Attorney later?

Yes, you can revoke the Power of Attorney at any time by submitting a written notice to the IRS. Ensure you also inform the authorized representative about the revocation to avoid any confusion in the future.

How long is form 3520-BE valid?

The validity of the form lasts until you revoke it or the appointed representative withdraws from their role. Regularly review your POA arrangement, especially if your tax situation changes or you no longer need representation.

Common mistakes

When individuals take the step to appoint someone to handle their tax matters through the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form 3520-BE, they occasionally encounter pitfalls that can lead to complications. One common mistake is neglecting to provide complete information about both the taxpayer and the designated representative. This information includes names, addresses, and identification numbers. Omitting any of these details can hinder the processing of the POA, delaying the representative's ability to act on behalf of the taxpayer.

Another frequent error occurs when taxpayers sign the form but forget to date it. A signature without a date may lead to questions regarding the validity of the authorization. To prevent confusion, always ensure that the date is clearly written alongside the signature. Similarly, individuals sometimes fail to follow the correct format for their representative's information. For example, not including the appropriate designation, such as "CPA" or "Attorney," can create misunderstandings about the representative's qualifications.

Some people also overlook reviewing the completed form for any typographical errors. Simple mistakes, such as incorrect spelling of names or miswritten identification numbers, can result in significant delays or even rejections. Moreover, another mistake involves indicating the powers granted but not specifying the limitations, if any. It's essential to define the extent of authority clearly, as vague language might lead to misunderstandings regarding the representative's capabilities.

While appointing a representative, taxpayers sometimes neglect to check whether their representative has accepted the role properly. It is crucial for the chosen person to sign the POA form as well; their signature is a confirmation of their willingness to take on this responsibility. Additionally, failing to provide the IRS with the necessary copies or failing to send the form to the right address can complicate matters further.

Another oversight stems from misunderstanding the duration of authority granted. Not specifying whether the POA should remain in effect until revoked or is only temporary can lead to potential complications at tax time. Furthermore, individuals may not utilize the most current version of the form. Using an outdated form can render the submission ineffective, as tax forms are periodically revised.

Lastly, it is essential to remember that the Tax POA form is a legal document. Treating it casually or overlooking its significance can lead to misunderstandings or disputes later. Correctly filling out the form not only facilitates smooth communication between the taxpayer and the IRS but also protects the interests of the individual appointing the representative.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with the Tax POA form 3520-BE, several additional documents might be necessary to ensure everything is in order. Understanding these forms can help clarify your needs and streamline your tax-related processes.

Form 2848: Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative - This form allows you to authorize someone to represent you before the IRS. It gives that person the ability to act on your behalf regarding tax matters.
Form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return - Use this form if you need a copy of your tax returns from the IRS. It's useful for verifying past information or preparing for future filing.
Form 8821: Tax Information Authorization - This form allows you to designate someone to receive your tax information. Unlike the POA, this does not permit them to represent you before the IRS.
Form 1040: U.S. Individual Income Tax Return - This is the main form used by individuals to file their annual income tax returns in the U.S. It summarizes your income, deductions, and tax liability.
Form 1116: Foreign Tax Credit - Use this form to claim a tax credit for foreign taxes paid. It's particularly relevant if you have foreign income and have paid taxes to another country.
Form 8938: Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets - This form is for reporting certain foreign financial assets. Required under the FATCA rules, it helps the IRS track overseas investments.
Form 1065: U.S. Return of Partnership Income - If you are involved in a partnership, this form is used to report gains, losses, and other income for the partnership.

Being aware of these documents can simplify your interactions with the IRS. Make sure to gather the necessary forms to avoid any hiccups in your tax filings.

Similar forms

Form 2848 - Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative: Like the 3520-BE, this form allows individuals to grant authority to a representative for tax matters. It specifies the types of tax, the years or periods for which the authority is granted, and empowers the representative to act on behalf of the taxpayer before the IRS.
Form 8821 - Tax Information Authorization: This document enables taxpayers to authorize someone to receive information from the IRS but does not grant them the authority to represent them. Both forms facilitate communication between the taxpayer and the IRS but differ in the level of authority granted.
Form 706 - United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return: Similar to the 3520-BE, this form involves reporting to the IRS. It allows the executor of an estate to file a tax return and handle any due taxes on behalf of the deceased individual, making it essential for estate management.
Form 709 - United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return: This form is used to report gifts for tax purposes. Like the 3520-BE, it involves filing with the IRS and may require a representative to assist in preparation and submission.
Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax: Non-profit organizations file this form to provide information to the IRS about their activities and financial status. Similar to the 3520-BE, it requires detailed reporting, though it pertains to different taxpayer obligations.
Form 1040 - U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: Both this personal income tax form and the 3520-BE serve to report income and claim tax benefits. They share the purpose of ensuring compliance with IRS regulations, though they address different financial situations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Tax POA Form 3520-BE, it’s essential to be precise and informed. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do ensure all information is accurate. Double-check names, addresses, and identification numbers.
Do sign and date the form. A missing signature or date could delay processing.
Do provide complete details for the person you're authorizing. Include their full name, contact information, and any relevant identification.
Do keep a copy for your records. This helps in case of any questions or issues later.

Don't rush through the form. Take your time to understand what each section requires.
Don't leave any sections blank. If something doesn’t apply, indicate that clearly.
Don't forget to review the IRS instructions. Familiarizing yourself with the guidelines prevents mistakes.
Don't submit without a final check. Look for any errors before sending it off.

Using these tips will make the process smoother and help ensure your Tax POA Form 3520-BE is processed without issues.

Misconceptions

The Tax POA form 3520-BE is often misunderstood. Below are six common misconceptions about this form along with clarifications.

It is only for large businesses. This form can be used by any taxpayer, including individuals, partnerships, and corporations, who wish to authorize someone to act on their behalf concerning tax matters.
Submitting this form grants unlimited power. The power given is specific to tax matters outlined in the form. It does not grant authority over other financial or legal decisions.
It must be filed every year. The form does not have to be filed annually. It only needs to be submitted when a new authorization is required or when there is a change in representation.
The IRS automatically notifies the representative. The taxpayer is responsible for providing a copy of the filed form to their designated representative. The IRS will not contact the representative directly.
Only attorneys can serve as representatives. While attorneys can represent taxpayers, any individual can be designated as a representative as long as they are not disbarred or suspended from practice.
It is the same as Form 2848. Although both forms authorize someone to act on a taxpayer's behalf, Form 2848 is specifically for power of attorney in federal tax matters, while Form 3520-BE may cover broader tax-related activities.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the Tax Power of Attorney (POA) form 3520-BE, there are several important points to keep in mind. Here are some key takeaways:

Purpose of the Form: The Tax POA form 3520-BE allows taxpayers to authorize another person to represent them before the IRS.
Eligibility: Any individual or entity can be appointed as an agent, provided they are eligible under IRS rules.
Signature Requirement: The taxpayer must sign the form for it to be valid. A signature that is forged or otherwise invalidated will not be accepted.
Specific Responsibilities: The agent can handle various tax issues, such as filing returns, making payments, and communicating with the IRS.
Limitations: The form should clearly state the specific transactions or issues for which the agent is authorized. This limits the scope of their authority.
Expiration of Authority: The grant of power is not permanent. It remains in effect until the taxpayer revokes it or until a specified date.
Submission Process: Once completed, the form must be submitted to the relevant IRS office. Take care to check the correct submission address.
Record Keeping: Both the taxpayer and the agent should keep a copy of the signed form for their records, ensuring that both parties have clear documentation.
Potential Issues: Understand that any discrepancies or issues can delay processing. Address any concerns proactively to avoid complications.

Filling out the Tax POA form 3520-BE correctly ensures that your designated representative can effectively act on your behalf regarding tax matters.