The U.S. tax code contains thousands of pages of information and is notorious for its complexity. Trying to decode it can feel like an uphill battle, so many people play it safe by having a professional handle their taxes. You can appoint a knowledgeable representative to handle your tax matters with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Fortunately, this can be as simple as faxing Form 2848 to the IRS using MyFax. Having someone in your corner can make all the difference when dealing with taxes, so it’s essential to know what Form 2848 is and where to send it. With this information, you’ll be well-equipped to face tax season head-on, knowing that you have a trusted professional by your side.
What Is Tax Form 2848?
Form 2848, also known as the Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative form, is used to authorize someone to represent you before the IRS. This is usually an attorney or tax professional.
When you submit this form, you give the representative the authority to communicate with the IRS on your behalf, access your tax records, and potentially make decisions or take action concerning your tax matters. However, you control what measures your representative takes, such as giving them the power to sign your taxes but not negotiate payment plans. It’s up to you what you want them to do.
There are several reasons why you might need to fill out Form 2848 and send it to the IRS.
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- Complex tax issues: If your income tax return is complicated and you aren’t sure how to handle it, you might want to authorize a tax professional to work on your behalf.
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- Audits and examinations: If you’re being audited or undergoing an IRS examination, you’ll want an experienced expert to communicate with the IRS.
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- Collections and appeals: If you owe taxes and are working out a payment plan, an Offer in Compromise, or appealing an IRS decision, a professional can get you better terms.
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- Convenience: If you’re out of town, otherwise unavailable, or prefer not to deal with the IRS directly, you can authorize someone to act in your place.
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- Non-English speakers: If you have limited English proficiency, you may want to appoint a representative who can communicate more effectively with the IRS.
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- Change an existing Form 2848: If you previously submitted Form 2848 and want to revoke or make changes to it, you’ll need to fill out another one.
To fill out Form 2848, you will need to provide your personal information, the name and credentials of your representative, the taxpayer’s signature, the taxpayer’s identification number, and the type of tax matters they are authorized to handle.
When To Fax a POA to the IRS
If you work directly with a tax attorney, they may have you fill out a power of attorney (POA) form when you sign your other authorization forms. If not, you can complete one later and send it to the IRS directly. The extent of your representative’s authority depends on the details you provide in the form. In general, you may want to fax Form 2848 so your representative can:
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- Communicate with the IRS: Your representative can discuss your tax matters with the IRS, receive and respond to notices, and submit relevant documents, including refund checks.
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- Access your tax records: They can request and inspect confidential tax information related to the specified tax matters and periods.
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- Represent you in IRS proceedings: Your representative can stand in for you during audits, examinations, appeals, or collection activities and may negotiate settlements or payment plans on your behalf.
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- Sign documents and forms: In some cases, your representative can sign tax returns or other documents for you, but only if you expressly grant them this authority in Form 2848.
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- Execute waivers, consents, or agreements: They can sign waivers extending the assessment or collection period or execute closing agreements related to the tax matters specified in the form.
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- Delegate representation: If you permit it on the form, your representative can delegate authority to another qualified individual.
It’s important to note that Form 2848 only authorizes your representative to handle the specific tax matters and tax years or periods you list on the form. You can limit or expand their authority by providing explicit instructions. Always review the document carefully before submitting it to ensure that your representative has the appropriate level of authority to handle your tax needs.
What Is the Fax Number for Form 2848?
The IRS has different fax numbers for Form 2848, depending on your state.
855-214-7519
Residents of the following states use this fax number: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
855-214-7522
Residents of the following states should use this number: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
855-772-3156
If you have an APO or FPO address, live in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, a foreign country, or otherwise outside the United States, use this fax number.
How To Fax Form 2848 Using an App
While you may not have access to a conventional fax machine, apps make it easy to fax Form 2848 directly from your computer or mobile device. To fax Form 2848 to the IRS from an app, take the following steps:
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- Prepare your form, either electronically or on paper, ensuring you’ve filled it out correctly and that it includes electronic signatures if necessary.
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- Choose an app, such as MyFax, to send your form.
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- Open the app and enter the correct information in the drop-down fields.
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- Use your device camera to capture the form if it’s in paper form or attach it directly if it’s an electronic copy.
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- Preview your form before you send it to make sure it’s legible, and double-check the fax number.
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- Keep track of your fax’s status to ensure it was transmitted.
Whether you’re a business taxpayer or an individual filer, you can use an app to fax forms to the IRS. With MyFax, you can send and receive faxes from any device so you won’t have to spend time tracking down a fax service. Reach out today to discover the benefits of online faxing.
