IRS Form 2848 PDF
Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative

IRS Form 2848, also known as the "Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative," is a document used in various tax-related situations. This form allows an individual or entity to authorize another person, such as an attorney or tax professional, to act on their behalf before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Essentially, it grants someone the authority to represent you in tax matters, including negotiations, appeals, and the signing of documents.

Only certain professionals can be granted power of attorney to represent someone before the IRS using Form 2848. These include:

• Attorneys: Licensed lawyers
• Certified public accountants (CPAs): Licensed accountants
• Enrolled agents: Individuals authorized by the IRS
• Enrolled retirement plan agents and enrolled actuaries: Specialized in retirement plans and actuarial work.

You would typically need Form 2848 in the following situations:

• Representation in tax matters: If you need someone to represent you in matters related to the IRS, such as audits, collections, and appeals.
• Tax preparation assistance: Although not required for mere preparation of tax returns, it's necessary if you want the preparer to also represent you in discussions with the IRS about the return.
• Specific tax issues: If there are particular tax issues or specific years or periods for which you need representation.
• Complex tax situations: In cases where tax matters are complicated, such as businesses dealing with complex tax issues, multinational taxation, or estate taxes.
• Inability to handle tax affairs: If you are unable to manage your tax affairs due to various reasons like health issues, absence from the country, or lack of expertise in tax matters.
• Dealing with IRS communications: To allow the representative to receive and respond to IRS communications on your behalf.

It's important to note that Form 2848 requires detailed information about the taxpayer, the representative, and the specific tax matters for which authorization is granted. The form does not authorize the representative to receive refund checks, nor does it authorize the representative to bind the taxpayer to anything or otherwise represent the taxpayer outside of IRS matters.

Filling out IRS Form 2848 on your Mac is straightforward, especially when using a reliable PDF editor like PDF Expert:

1. Download the official IRS Form 2848 from the IRS website.
2. Install PDF Expert if you haven't already, and open the application.
3. Import the downloaded Form 2848 PDF into PDF Expert.
4. Click on the form fields and start entering the required information, following the form's instructions.
5. Sign the form.

Here are more detailed instruction for filling out Form 2848:

Step 1: Identifying information

Section 1: Taxpayer information

Enter the taxpayer's name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) at the top of the form. If applicable, include the secondary taxpayer's information

Step 2 Representative information

Section 2: Representative(s)

List the name, address, and phone number of the individual or firm you're authorizing as your representative. If there's more than one representative, attach an additional sheet with their details.

Specify the representative's Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number, if known.

Step 3: Authorization Details

Section 3: Tax Matters

Check the appropriate boxes that correspond to the specific tax matters you're authorizing your representative to handle. Be clear and specific in your selections.

In Part II of Section 3, provide additional details related to the tax matters, including the type of return, form number, and the years or periods involved.

Step 4: Signatures

Section 4: Signature of taxpayer

The taxpayer must sign and date the form. If you're authorizing multiple representatives, each representative's name should be listed, and the taxpayer should sign for each one.

Section 5: Declaration of Representative

Your representative must also sign and date the form, confirming their acceptance of the appointment.

Step 5: Attachments and documentation

If applicable, attach any additional documentation that supports your authorization, such as a power of attorney document or other relevant paperwork.

Step 6: Submission

Once the form is completed and signed by both the taxpayer and the representative, send it to the appropriate IRS office based on your location. The IRS website provides specific mailing addresses for various regions.

Avoiding errors on IRS Form 2848 is crucial to ensure a smooth tax representation process. 

• Inaccurate information: Double-check the accuracy of your personal and representative information, as errors can lead to delays and complications.
• Vague descriptions: Ensure you provide clear and specific information about the tax matters and years involved, as vagueness may cause misunderstandings.
• Scope of authority: Verify that your representative's authority aligns with your needs and intentions, as an incorrect scope of authority can lead to misunderstandings with the IRS.

Taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can help you navigate the tax representation process smoothly and efficiently.

PDF Expert is an excellent tool for simplifying the process of filling out tax forms, including IRS Form 2848. It makes it simple to input information into form fields, reducing the risk of errors. You can store completed forms securely for future reference and quick access. Plus, the application's Sign feature helps to create and save your electronic signature, and sign forms easily  before submitting them to the IRS.

IRS Form 2848 plays a vital role in authorizing representatives for tax-related matters. To streamline this process, consider using PDF Expert on your Mac to download, fill out, and securely store your Form 2848, ensuring a hassle-free experience when dealing with the IRS.

PDF Expert does not offer any tax advice, and it is strongly recommended that you seek consultation with a qualified tax expert concerning your specific tax inquiries. To the fullest extent permitted by law, PDF Expert presents this material on an “as-is” basis. PDF Expert hereby disclaims and makes no representation or warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to representations, guarantees, or warranties, fitness for a particular purpose, or accuracy.