Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization
Form 8821 opens your tax records to someone you name, an accountant, a lender, a family member, without giving them any power to act for you.
This is the genuine IRS PDF, unmodified. Source: IRS official page.
What is 8821?
Form 8821 authorizes a designated person or company to receive and inspect your confidential tax information for the forms and years you list. Unlike a 2848 power of attorney, the appointee cannot represent you, negotiate, or sign anything; they simply see what the IRS has, and can be copied on notices if you check that box.
Lenders verifying income, tax pros monitoring a client’s account transcripts, and businesses granting payroll providers visibility all use it. The designee needs no professional credentials.
Who files 8821?
- Taxpayers letting a lender or background check verify tax records
- Clients giving their bookkeeper or advisor read access to IRS accounts
- Anyone wanting a trusted person to see, but not act on, their tax matters
How to fill out 8821
- Enter your identifying information in the taxpayer section.
- Name each appointee with their address and CAF number if they have one.
- List the tax forms, matters, and years the authorization covers.
- Download, sign, and submit by fax, mail, or IRS online upload; unsigned or undated forms are rejected.
Quick fill 8821 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open 8821 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Does an 8821 expire?
It stays in effect until revoked, but it no longer automatically ends prior authorizations unless you check the retention box choices accordingly. Revoke by writing REVOKE across a copy and resubmitting it.
Can the appointee call the IRS for me?
They can request and discuss the information covered, but they cannot advocate on your behalf or make agreements; that requires Form 2848.