Form 8655 allows taxpayers to authorize reporting agents to sign and file certain returns, make deposits and payments, receive duplicate copies of tax information, and aid in penalty relief determinations. Once signed, Form 8655 grants authority for related forms and payment vouchers, and can be modified or revoked at any time.
What is Form 8655?
Form 8655 is used to authorize a reporting agent to act on behalf of the taxpayer, which includes signing and filing certain returns, making deposits and payments for certain returns, receiving duplicate copies of tax information, and providing the IRS with information to aid in penalty relief determinations. The authority granted by Form 8655 is effective beginning with the period indicated and continues indefinitely unless terminated or revoked. Disclosure authority is effective upon signature of the taxpayer and IRS receipt of the Form 8655. Form 8655 also provides authority for other forms and payment vouchers. It is important to note that the filing of Form 8655 does not relieve the taxpayer of their responsibilities to ensure timely filing and payment. The taxpayer must sign Form 8655 and any revocation must be sent to the IRS in writing. Pub. 1474 provides additional information regarding the reporting agent authorizations.
IRS Form 8655 – Who Needs to Fill It Out?
Anyone wanting to authorize a reporting agent to file returns, make deposits and payments, and receive duplicate copies of tax information must complete the IRS Form 8655. The form can be filled out by the individual owner of the business in the case of a sole proprietorship, an officer having legal authority to bind the corporation in the case of a corporation or LLC treated as a corporation, a member of the partnership during any part of the tax period covered by Form 8655 in the case of partnership or unincorporated organization, or the owner of the LLC in the case of a single-member LLC treated as a disregarded entity. The trust or estate must also be signed by the fiduciary. The form also requires an optional electronic signature that must include approved methods of authentication and additional items.
Step-by-Step: Form 8655 Instructions For Filling Out the Document
This form, IRS Form 8655, is used to authorize a reporting agent to sign and file certain returns electronically, make deposits and payments for certain returns, receive duplicate copies of tax information, and provide IRS with penalty relief information. The authority granted to a reporting agent is effective beginning with the period indicated on the form and continues indefinitely unless terminated or revoked. Furthermore, additional authority can be granted to a reporting agent by submitting another signed Form 8655. To revoke an existing authorization, the taxpayer must send in a signed, written request or a copy of the form re-signed with “REVOKE” written across the top. Finally, Form 8655 must be signed by the taxpayer or anyone with legal authority to sign for the taxpayer (depending on entity structure).
Below, we present a table that will help you understand how to fill out Form 8655.
| Information Required for Form 8655 | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Form | Authorize a reporting agent for various IRS actions |
| Effective Period | Indicated on the form, continues indefinitely unless revoked |
| Revocation | Send a signed, written request or re-signed form with “REVOKE” written on top |
| Authorization Signature | Must be signed by the taxpayer or authorized representative |
Do You Need to File Form 8655 Each Year?
Yes, Form 8655 must be filed each year to authorize a reporting agent to sign and file tax returns, make deposits and payments, receive duplicate copies of tax information, and provide information to aid penalty relief determinations. The authority granted is effective with the indicated period(s) on the form and continues indefinitely unless terminated or revoked by the taxpayer or reporting agent. To decrease the authority granted, a written request must be sent to the IRS. To increase authority, another Form 8655 should be completed and submitted. Electronic signature methods are allowed, and signature requirements vary depending on filer type.
Download the official IRS Form 8655 PDF
On the official IRS website, you will find a link to download Form 8655. However, to make it easier for you, we are providing the link in our article, which comes directly from the official irs.gov website! Click to download: Form 8655
Sources:
