Instructions for Filling Out Form 2848

This document offers a comprehensive guide from the IRS on completing Form 2848, including step-by-step instructions, examples, and additional resources. Form 2848 is used to authorize an individual to represent a taxpayer before the IRS, requiring information about both parties and the specific tax matters the representative is authorized to handle.

What is Form 2848?

Form 2848, titled "Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative," is a legal document used to authorize an eligible individual to represent a taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The purpose of this form is to grant the authorized representative the ability to inspect and/or receive confidential tax information on behalf of the taxpayer. To complete Form 2848, both the taxpayer and representative must provide their personal information, specify the tax matters the representative is authorized to handle, and sign and date the form. Additionally, Form 2848 can be used to revoke a previously executed power of attorney and can be submitted to the IRS by mail, fax, or online with an electronic signature. However, it does not grant the representative the authority to receive refund checks, disclose tax returns to third parties, or execute a power of attorney on behalf of the taxpayer.

Who Must File Form 2848?

Form 2848 is used by individuals or entities, such as corporations, associations, partnerships, estates, and trusts, who want to authorize someone else to represent them before the IRS. The representative must be eligible to practice before the IRS and is granted the authority to inspect and/or receive confidential tax information and perform all acts that the taxpayer can perform with respect to the specified tax matters. However, the representative cannot endorse or negotiate any check issued by the government in respect of a federal tax liability. The form is also used to revoke a power of attorney, handle representation for joint tax returns, and authorize a representative to sign a tax return.

Form 2848 Tax Filing Deadlines and Due Dates

• There are no specific due dates for Form 2848, as it is used to authorize representation before the IRS when needed, rather than being tied to a particular deadline.

Form 2848 Late Payment Penalty

It's important to note that Form 2848 does not have a late payment penalty, as this form is used to authorize representation before the IRS and is not tied to a specific deadline or payment. The late payment penalty would apply to the actual tax return or payment that the taxpayer is responsible for, rather than the authorization of representation through Form 2848.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Form 2848

The step-by-step instructions for filling out Form 2848 are as follows:

1. Enter the taxpayer's information in Line 1. This includes the taxpayer's name, social security number (SSN), or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), and address.
2. In Line 2, enter the full name and mailing address of the representative(s). The representative(s) must be eligible to practice before the IRS.
3. In Line 3, describe the matter for which the representative is authorized to act. This includes the tax form number and the year(s) or period(s) for which the representation is authorized.
4. If the power of attorney is for a specific use not recorded on the Centralized Authorization File (CAF), check the box on Line 4.
5. In Line 5a, check the box for any additional acts the representative is authorized to perform. In Line 5b, list any acts the representative is not authorized to perform.
6. If the taxpayer does not want to revoke any existing powers of attorney, check the box on Line 6 and attach a copy of the power(s) of attorney.
7. The taxpayer must sign and date the form in Line 7. The representative(s) must also sign and date the form in Part II, Declaration of Representative.

How to Submit Form 2848

Form 2848 can be submitted to the IRS by mail, fax, or online with an electronic signature. To submit the form, ensure it is completed accurately, signed and dated by both the taxpayer and the representative, and sent to the appropriate IRS office handling the matter. The representative must be eligible to practice before the IRS, and the form must clearly describe the tax matters for which they are authorized.

Need Help with other Finance or Startup Questions?

At Pilot, we offer specialized bookkeeping, CFO, and tax services catered to thousands of startups and evolving businesses. With more than 10 million transactions processed for our clients, our expertise in business growth is unparalleled. Being the premier startup-focused accounting firm in the United States, we are eager to assist you. Reach out to our sales team or click our demo to learn more about our services!

‍