How to Submit a Power of Attorney to the IRS?

Did you know that over 35 million tax returns are prepared each year by someone other than the taxpayer? That’s right — and in most of these cases, a Power of Attorney (POA) is needed to give someone legal permission to talk to the IRS on your behalf. Whether you're getting help from a tax lawyer, accountant, or another trusted professional, understanding how to submit a Power of Attorney to the IRS is an important step that can help avoid delays, miscommunication, or even penalties.

In this blog post, we'll break it down in a simple, step-by-step way. You’ll learn what a Power of Attorney is, when you need it, how to submit it, and what happens next.

What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney is a legal form that lets you give someone else permission to act for you. In the case of taxes, this usually means allowing a tax expert or attorney to speak with the IRS, file documents, or get your tax information.

There are many types of POAs, but the IRS only accepts certain kinds for tax matters. The most common one is Form 2848 – Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

When Do You Need to Submit a Power of Attorney to the IRS?

You should submit a Power of Attorney form to the IRS if:

• You're hiring a tax professional to speak with the IRS on your behalf.
  
  
• You're dealing with an audit.
  
  
• You’re settling a tax debt.
  
  
• You have health issues or are unable to manage your own taxes.
  
  
• You're living abroad and need help handling U.S. tax matters.
  
  

Remember: Without this form, the IRS will not share your private tax information with anyone—even your spouse or accountant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Power of Attorney to the IRS

Here’s how you can submit your Power of Attorney form to the IRS the right way:

Step 1: Use the Correct Form

Use IRS Form 2848 if you want someone to represent you in front of the IRS.

Here’s what this form allows:

• Talking to the IRS for you.
  
  
• Receiving your IRS notices.
  
  
• Handling certain tax matters.
  
  

You can download Form 2848 directly from the IRS website.

If your representative only needs to view your tax information but not act on your behalf, you should use Form 8821, not 2848.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form Correctly

Be careful when filling out Form 2848. It needs to be exact. Here's what to include:

• Your full name and SSN or EIN.
  
  
• Your representative’s name, address, and CAF number (Centralized Authorization File).
  
  
• The tax matters and years you’re giving them access to.
  
  
• A signature from both you and your representative.
  
  

Tip: Mistakes on the form can cause delays. Double-check all the information before you submit.

Step 3: Choose How to Submit Your Power of Attorney Form

There are three ways to submit your IRS Power of Attorney form:

1. Submit Online (Fastest Option)

Use the IRS Online Account or Tax Pro Account if both you and your representative are registered users.

• You log in and authorize them through your personal IRS online account.
  
  
• They log in and accept the request.
  
  
• The IRS processes the POA digitally — usually within 48 hours.
  

2. Submit by Fax

Send your completed Form 2848 by fax to the correct IRS CAF Unit:

• Memphis CAF Unit: 855-214-7522 (for AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, TN, TX).
  
  
• Ogden CAF Unit: 855-214-7519 (for AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY, and international).
  
  
• Philadelphia CAF Unit: 855-214-7514 (for all other states and D.C.).
  
  

Always include a cover page with your name and the number of pages being sent.

3. Submit by Mail

Mail the form to the same CAF Units listed above, based on your location. Mailing is the slowest method, taking 3–6 weeks for processing. Only use this if you can’t submit online or by fax.

What Happens After You Submit the POA Form?

Once submitted, the IRS will:

• Review the form for accuracy.
  
  
• Assign your representative access to your IRS records.
  
  
• Send confirmation if the form is accepted.
  
  

Your representative can now speak with the IRS on your behalf, receive copies of notices, and help resolve tax matters.

How Long Is a Power of Attorney Valid with the IRS?

A Power of Attorney stays valid until:

• The specific tax matters and years are resolved.
  
  
• You or your representative revoke it.
  
  
• The IRS updates or removes old POAs (after several years of no activity).
  
  

You can cancel a POA at any time by submitting a revocation in writing to the IRS.

Tips for Smooth Power of Attorney Form Submission

Here are a few helpful tips to avoid errors and speed up the process:

• Make sure both you and your representative sign the form.
• Keep a copy of the form for your records.
• Use online submission when possible — it’s faster and easier.
• Double-check the CAF number for your representative.
• Clearly state the tax years and types of tax (income, employment, etc.) the POA covers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving sections blank — especially signatures or tax matters.
• Using the wrong form (don’t mix up 2848 and 8821).
• Not listing specific years — vague entries will delay processing.
• Submitting to the wrong IRS office.

Why Use a Tax Attorney for IRS Power of Attorney Submissions?

A qualified tax attorney ensures:

• Your form is filled out correctly
  
  
• You meet all legal requirements
  
  
• They can represent you in complex matters like audits, back taxes, or appeals
  
  

At the Law Office of Mary E. King, P.L, our experienced attorneys regularly submit POA forms and handle all types of IRS interactions on behalf of our clients. We help you avoid stress, mistakes, and wasted time.

Note: A Power of Attorney (POA) is not required if a professional is only preparing a tax return and not representing you before the IRS. POA is only necessary when you want your representative to communicate with or act on your behalf in dealings with the IRS.

If you need help submitting your IRS Power of Attorney form, contact our legal team at the Law Office of Mary E. King, PL today — we’re here to make the process stress-free.

FAQs: Power of Attorney Form Submission to the IRS