Fill and sign Form 2848 online
Authorises an eligible representative, such as a CPA, attorney or enrolled agent, to represent you before the IRS.
Form 2848 at a glance
- Official name
- Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
- Issued by
- IRS
- Country
- United States
- Category
- Tax
- Language
- English
- Who uses it
- Taxpayers who want an accountant or attorney to deal with the IRS for them.
- Signature
E-signature accepted
The IRS online upload tool (IRS.gov/Submit2848) accepts Forms 2848 with electronic signatures, which requires a Secure Access account. Forms sent by mail or fax must be signed by hand.
- Instructions
- Official IRS page
Form 2848 gives a tax professional, such as a CPA, attorney or enrolled agent, the authority to represent you before the IRS for specific tax matters and years. It is signed by you and by your representative. Open the official form from irs.gov in BunnyDoc's free Sign PDF tool straight from this page (nothing to download first), type into its fillable fields, add your signature and date, and download it. The PDF stays in your browser and never leaves your device.
How to fill in and sign Form 2848
Line 1: taxpayer information
Enter your name, address and taxpayer identification number. Spouses who filed jointly each complete a separate Form 2848. Businesses, trusts and estates follow the entity rules in the instructions.
Line 2: your representative(s)
Enter each representative's name, address, CAF number and PTIN. Only individuals eligible to practise before the IRS can be named, and no more than two representatives can receive copies of IRS notices.
Line 3: tax matters, forms and years
List each matter (for example Income), the tax form number (for example 1040) and the specific years or periods. General references such as "all years" are not accepted.
Lines 4 to 6: special uses and extra acts
Tick line 4 only if the authority is for a specific use not recorded on the CAF. Use line 5a to add acts (such as signing a return in permitted cases) and 5b to exclude acts. Line 6 lets you keep earlier powers of attorney in force.
Line 7 and Part II: signatures
You sign and date line 7. Your representative completes and signs Part II. The instructions say the representative generally must sign within 45 days of your signature (60 days if you live abroad).
Submit online, by fax or by mail
Upload it at IRS.gov/Submit2848, which is required if any signature is electronic. Mailed or faxed forms must carry handwritten signatures and go to the CAF unit for your location listed in the instructions (Memphis, Ogden or the international team in Philadelphia).
Can I sign Form 2848 electronically?
Yes, but only if the form is submitted online. The Form 2848 instructions say forms with electronic signatures may only be submitted through IRS.gov/Submit2848, which needs a Secure Access account. Accepted methods include a typed name, a scanned or digitised handwritten signature, a signature pad or stylus, and third-party software. For remote signings, the person submitting must authenticate the taxpayer's identity.
If you mail or fax the form, the instructions say you must handwrite your signature. See also the Taxpayer Advocate Service note on the upload tool.
Form 2848 or Form 8821?
Form 2848 lets an eligible representative act for you before the IRS. If you only want someone to receive and inspect your tax information, without representing you, use Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization.
Common mistakes
- Using general wording on line 3, such as "all taxes" or "all years".
- Filing one form for a married couple instead of one each.
- Typing or e-signing a form that is then mailed or faxed.
- Naming someone who is not eligible to practise before the IRS.
Form 2848: frequently asked questions
What is IRS Form 2848 used for?
It authorises an eligible individual, such as an attorney, CPA or enrolled agent, to represent you before the IRS for the tax matters and years you list.
Can Form 2848 be signed electronically?
Yes, if it is submitted online at IRS.gov/Submit2848. The instructions say forms sent by mail or fax must have handwritten signatures.
Where do I send Form 2848?
Upload it online at IRS.gov/Submit2848, or mail or fax it to the CAF unit listed for your state in the Form 2848 instructions.
Who signs Form 2848?
The taxpayer signs line 7 and the representative signs Part II. Spouses who filed jointly each sign their own form.
What is the difference between Form 2848 and Form 8821?
Form 2848 lets someone represent you. Form 8821 only lets someone receive and inspect your confidential tax information.
Is BunnyDoc affiliated with the IRS?
No. BunnyDoc is not affiliated with the IRS and this is not legal or tax advice.
BunnyDoc is not affiliated with IRS. Check that the recipient accepts electronic signatures.
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