forms 8821 and/or 2848

[Arble H Gimbleh]

Both forms state that if requested information is not reported on a CAF (Centralized Authorization File), e.g. W2s, 1099s, then the forms CANNOT be submitted online. However, they also say, if forms are signed electronically (including a scanned signature) they MUST be submitted online. We are using her scanned signature (since we live miles apart)

Since the other options are fax and USPS, i am hoping to be able to upload the 8821 (and later, the 2848 if necessary)

Also, after i submit the 8821, do i have to ask for the transcripts? Is this form a request or only authorization?

Thank you in advance!

[pk]

@Arble H Gimbleh , what are you trying to achieve ?   From your post it seems that you are a tax professional ( are you? ) and trying to submit authorization so you can look at your client's transcript etc.  Is that what you are trying to do ?

[Arble H Gimbleh]

I am not a tax professional. I am trying to get info regarding a relative's taxes. I have her POA, but clearly I need to file one or both of these forms. I believe she has not filed since 2010, but i need to verify this, then get transcripts or W2s and 1099s for any missing years. I may not need 2848, it depends on how bad the situation is. I do need to be able to discuss them with the IRS and get the necessary documents. Her taxes aren't complicated and i can do them in Turbotax once i have the info (yes, i have all those years!)

Since faxing and USPS take longer than uploading the forms, I am hoping the "electronic signature" issue enables me to file it online.

[pk · Accepted solution]

@Arble H Gimbleh , 

Now I understand your predicament --- you need all the transcripts of the returns filed ( as far as you can get ) and nay and all information filings   ( W-2, 1099s etc. ), in an effort to bring the filer into compliance.

(a)    Since you already have a valid POA and assuming that you have the personal details of the taxpayer ( such as SSN etc. ), you can always go look at her personal account  ( or set one up ) and see what is there with the IRS  --- see this page -->  Transcript types for individuals and ways to order them | Internal Revenue Service

(b)   you can also file form 4506-T for all the tax years that you need  or you can visit the local IRS office with the POA in hand  and seek guidance.

I am saying the above because the taxpayer is alive, just not able to do the needful herself but you can set up  her personal; account ( if she has not done so herself) based on the valid POA.

Once you have the details, I would  suggest starting with the latest years and work backwards ( since you have the TurboTax software for the needed years. Alsop note that while IRS ( and many states ) will allow refunds only for three years prior, the tax liability  for all the earlier years  ( with interest and penalty ) can go as far back as possible ( at least six years for sure).

Also if she has not received any notices from the IRS ( that you are aware of ), then she either never filed or the informational filings were too small for the IRS to chase/ send notice to non-filing.  It is a difficult situation .

Good Luck

[Mike9241]

w-2s are available from the Social Security Admin for a fee. 2010-2024 are avaialble and you get complete copies. the IRS only has Federal info (not state if needed) going back to 2018 (7 years). you can request transcripts using IRS form  4506-T (send POA with it)

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript 

as for tax info other than w-2s prior to 2018, sorry, in theory, the IRS no longer has copies.  

Form 8821 doesn’t authorize your designee to speak on your behalf; to execute a request to allow disclosure of return or return information to another third party; to advocate your position regarding federal tax laws; to execute waivers, consents, closing agreements; or represent you in any other manner before the IRS. Use Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, to authorize an individual to represent you before the IRS. The designee may not substitute another party as your authorized designee.

form 2848 see if you are a qualified family member item f in Part II

[Arble H Gimbleh]

Thank you! this is what i needed to know. We will be together for Christmas, so we can log into her account and obtain info. I will go ahead and upload 8821 (maybe 2848) in case I need to ask for documents not available online. I understand about the refunds :( Ordinarily, I would expect her not to owe money, but there are 2 considerations: Health care subsidies and any1099-Cs that may be lurking out there.

Thank you again!

[Arble H Gimbleh]

Thanks! I am a qualified family member, thank goodness for that option.