Power of Attorney
In order to authorize an individual to receive your tax information and/or represent you before the IRS you will need to file the proper documentation with the IRS. When dealing with a Federal tax matter you can either represent yourself or have someone else represent you. If you want someone else to represent you then it is required that you make the appropriate filing in order to authorize that person to legally represent you. Once you have made the appropriate filing, the person that you have designated will be allowed to represent you before the IRS and receive your tax information.
Form 2848 is the most typical form to use when filing for power of attorney. This form will authorize an individual to represent you before the IRS and receive confidential tax documentation. This form needs to be either faxed or mailed to the IRS.
You cannot just appoint any type of person to represent you for tax matters, they will have to be qualified individuals. Below is a list of individuals that can legally represent you before the IRS.
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Attorneys
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CPAs
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Enrolled agents
After the power of attorney has been filed and processed the IRS will recognize the person you have assigned to represent you and they will legally be able to respond to IRS requests on your behalf. Some things your representative can do for you are the following:
Having a power of attorney on file with the IRS before a problem arises will expedite our handling of the matter as I will get a copy of any correspondence or notices you receive and will be able to discuss the matter with the IRS.
