IRS · Official form

Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization

Form 8655 lets a business authorize a payroll provider or other reporting agent to file employment tax returns and make deposits on its behalf. Fill in the official IRS PDF below and download it.

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What is 8655?

Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization, is how a taxpayer appoints a reporting agent, most often a payroll service, to sign and file certain returns such as the Form 940 and 941 series, make federal tax deposits and payments, receive copies of notices and other IRS communications, and provide information to support penalty relief related to that authority.

The authorization is narrower than a power of attorney: it covers the specific returns and duties checked on the form rather than general representation before the IRS. It stays in effect until it is revoked or replaced by a new authorization for the same forms.

Who files 8655?

Employers hiring a payroll service to file Forms 940, 941, and related employment tax returns
Businesses that want their provider to make federal tax deposits and payments for them
Taxpayers who want the agent to receive copies of IRS notices about the covered returns
Reporting agents collecting signed authorizations from new payroll clients

How to fill out 8655

Enter the taxpayer’s name, EIN, address, and contact information in the top section.
Enter the reporting agent’s name, address, and EIN.
Check the boxes for the returns the agent may sign and file, and the beginning period for each.
Check the boxes for deposits and payments the agent may make, and whether the agent should receive tax information and copies of notices.
Sign and date the authorization, then download the PDF. The reporting agent typically submits it to the IRS as part of its e-file setup.

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Page 1 42 fields

1a Name of taxpayer (as distinguished from trade name)

1b Trade name, if any

2 Employer identification number (EIN)

3 Address (number, street, and room or suite no.)

City or town, state, and ZIP code

4. If you are a seasonal employer, check here.

5 Other identification number (optional)

6 Contact person

7 Daytime telephone number

8 Fax number

9 Name (enter company name or name of business)

10 Employer identification number (EIN)

11 Address (number, street, and room or suite no.)

City or town, state, and ZIP code

12 Contact person

13 Daytime telephone number

14 Fax number

For annual returns, use “Y Y Y Y” format to indicate the year for which the authorization begins. 940.

“2024/09” for third quarter of 2024).

For annual returns, use “YYYY” format to indicate the year for which

format to indicate the year for which

begins.

“2024/09” for third quarter of 2024).

15. C T-1. CT-1

begins (for example, “2024/08” for August 2024).

“2024/08” for August 2024).

deposits or payments.

Use the “YYYY/MM” format to enter the

to enter the

Use the “Y Y Y Y/M M” format to enter the month in which the authorization begins (for example,“2024/08” for August 2024). 720.

“2024/08” for August 2024).

deposits or payments.

Use the “YYYY/MM” format to enter the

16. C T-1. CT-1

16. 990-P F. 990-PF

begins (for example, “2024/08” for August 2024).

18a. The reporting agent is authorized to receive otherwise confidential taxpayer information from the I R S to assist in responding to

18b. The reporting agent is authorized to receive otherwise confidential taxpayer information from the I R S to assist in responding to

18c. The reporting agent is authorized to receive otherwise confidential taxpayer information from the I R S to assist in responding to

19. Check here to authorize the reporting agent to sign and file state or local returns related to the authorization granted on line 15

Title

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Frequently asked questions

Is Form 8655 the same as a power of attorney?

No. Form 2848 appoints a representative who can act for you before the IRS generally. Form 8655 grants a reporting agent specific authority over the returns, deposits, and notices checked on the form, which is what payroll providers need.

Am I still responsible for my payroll taxes after signing?

Yes. Authorizing a reporting agent does not shift your legal responsibility. The employer remains liable for timely filing and payment even when an agent handles the mechanics, so it is worth monitoring deposits through your own EFTPS enrollment.

How do I end or change an authorization?

Submitting a new Form 8655 for the same forms replaces the earlier one, or you can revoke the authorization in writing as the instructions describe.

Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization

What is 8655?

Who files 8655?

How to fill out 8655

Quick fill 8655 on this page

Frequently asked questions

Related forms

Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative

Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization

Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return