How do I get the IRS to mail me notices for my elderly parents' tax issues? And can I create an online IRS account on their behalf?

[bobster3366]

This year, for the first time, I did taxes for my 95-year-old father, who files jointly with my mom.

I used his TurboTax Online login (after checking with TurboTax support that this is permitted). I successfully filed their 2024 returns, both federal and state, and also filed amended 2023 returns after finding an error. I was able to pay the balances due for 2023, and the refund for 2024 was successfully sent by the IRS to Dad's checking account. No problem.

My concern is if there are any paper notices from the IRS, they'll be sent to Dad at his assisted living facility. He lives half-way across the country, so I can't stop in and pick them up. And paper notices will only confuse him.

So: how can I get the IRS to send all notices regarding their taxes to me?

Would this problem be solved if I filed a form 56 for each parent? (I'm their attorney-in-fact and trustee for their separate trusts.)

Also, would filing form 56 allow me to create an IRS account on my Dad's behalf? I've tried creating the account, but it requires ID.me identity verification. If the IRS had a form 56 on file, would that allow me to create the account?

Please only respond if you have first-hand experience with these situations.

Thanks!

P.S.  I spoke with a Turbo Tax "expert" and also called the IRS. Neither could answer these questions.

[guywong]

You can file a Form 8822, change of address, with the IRS and have both of your parents sign and date it. 

I would have used your address on your parent's tax return instead of their nursing home when preparing their tax return.  To my knowledge, there is no requirement to use your parent's physical address on the tax return.  I've prepared many tax returns using a loved one's address on the f1040.

About Form 8822, Change of Address | Internal Revenue Service

Perhaps you can set up an IRS account the next time you visit your parents and use your address.

After the address has been changed, your parents may receive a notice from the State taxing agency where you reside, inquiring or demanding a state tax return.  Just write back to the State and explain to them that your elderly parents are not residents of your State and they simply use your address for mailing purposes.

Alternatively, if you had signed your name as the preparer, you could file a Form 2848, Power of Attorney, have your Dad appoint you as an "attorney-in-fact",  mark the box that reads, "Check if to be sent copies of notices and communications".  IRS will only allow you to represent your Dad for 3 future years, but you can put in all the past open years.  Assuming you're not an attorney, a CPA or an enrolled agent,  you will be considered an "unenrolled agent and you will need a PTIN first.  So this is a lot more complicated.

About Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative | Internal Revenue Service

[fanfare]

Your father can create an IRS account. You can't.

As part of the process, he must first sign up with ID.me which requires a Zoom interview.

He should list your phone number in addition to his own for security codes. 

Once created, he can tell you the password.

@bobster3366 

[bobster3366]

No, at age 95 my dad doesn't have the cognitive capacity to create his own IRS account, and there's no one in the facility that I trust to help him. That's why I asked if I could create it on his behalf.

I tried helping him create an account when I last visited, but ID.me blocked it for an unspecified reason. There was nothing we could do. It took about two weeks until they said he could try again, and by then I was back home, halfway across the country.