What if I need to call the IRS on behalf of someone else?

The IRS will request paperwork to prove that you are legally designated to call on someone else’s behalf.

Calling for someone else

Here's what the IRS requires:

• Verification of your identity:
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Your filing status (Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Joint, or Married Filing Separate).
  • Your prior-year tax return (they may ask you questions about it to verify your identity).
• Verbal or written authorization from the third party to discuss the account.
• The taxpayer’s name, SSN/ITIN, tax period, and tax form(s) filed.
• Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or PIN if a third-party designee.
• Either:
  • A current, completed, and signed Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization.
  • A completed and signed Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.

Calling for someone who is deceased
If you've lost someone, we know that the paperwork seems unending. We're sorry you have to deal with more of it, but the IRS may require that you fax:

• The death certificate.
• Either:
  • Copies of Letters Testamentary approved by the court.
    
  • IRS Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship (for estate executors).