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Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization

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Tax Information Authorization

Form 8821

(Rev. March 2015)

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

OMB No. 1545-1165

For IRS Use Only

Received by:

Name:

Telephone:

Function:

Date:

▶ Information about Form 8821 and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form8821.

▶ Do not sign this form unless all applicable lines have been completed.

▶ Do not use Form 8821 to request copies of your tax returns or to authorize someone to represent you.

1 Taxpayer information. Taxpayer must sign and date this form on line 7.

Taxpayer name and address

Taxpayer identification number(s)

Daytime telephone number

Plan number (if applicable)

2 Appointee. If you wish to name more than one appointee, attach a list to this form.

Check here if a list of additional appointees is attached ▶

Name and address

CAF No.

PTIN

Telephone No.

Fax No.

Check if new: Address Telephone No. Fax No.

3 Tax Information. Appointee is authorized to inspect and/or receive confidential tax information for the type of tax, forms, periods, and specific matters you list below.

(a) Type of Tax Information

(b) Tax Form Number

(c) Year(s) or Period(s)

(d) Specific Tax Matters

4 Specific use not recorded on Centralized Authorization File (CAF).

Check this box if the tax information authorization is for a specific use not recorded on CAF. Skip lines 5 and 6. ▶

5 Disclosure of tax information

a If you want copies of tax information, notices, and other written communications sent to the appointee on an ongoing basis, check this box ▶

Note. Appointees will no longer receive forms, publications, and other related materials with the notices.

b If you do not want any copies of notices or communications sent to your appointee, check this box ▶

6 Retention/revocation of prior tax information authorizations.

If the line 4 box is checked, skip this line. If the line 4 box is not checked, the IRS will automatically revoke all prior Tax Information Authorizations on file unless you check the line 6 box and attach a copy of the Tax Information Authorization(s) that you want to retain. ▶

To revoke a prior tax information authorization(s) without submitting a new authorization, see the line 6 instructions.

7 Signature of taxpayer.

If signed by a corporate officer, partner, guardian, executor, receiver, administrator, trustee, or party other than the taxpayer, I certify that I have the authority to execute this form with respect to the tax matters and tax periods shown on line 3 above.

▶ IF NOT COMPLETE, SIGNED, AND DATED, THIS TAX INFORMATION AUTHORIZATION WILL BE RETURNED.

▶ DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM IF IT IS BLANK OR INCOMPLETE.

Signature

Date

Print Name

Title (if applicable)

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions. Cat. No. 11596P Form 8821 (Rev. 3-2015)

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What the Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization Does

Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization is an IRS form used to allow a designated third party to receive a taxpayer's confidential tax information. It permits disclosure of specified tax matters to an appointee but does not authorize the appointee to represent the taxpayer before the IRS; for representation use Form 2848. The taxpayer controls the scope, duration, and specific tax types covered, and may revoke the authorization at any time by notifying the IRS in writing.

Why Form 8821 Matters for Tax Administration

Form 8821 centralizes permission for the IRS to share tax data with an agent or organization, reducing redundant information requests and improving coordination between taxpayer and adviser.

Why Form 8821 Matters for Tax Administration

Who Typically Uses Form 8821

Common users include individuals and organizations that need third-party access to tax information for compliance or advisory purposes.

  • Tax professionals and enrolled agents who review client tax accounts and notices on the client's behalf.
  • Businesses and payroll providers needing access to corporate or employee tax transcripts for reconciliation.
  • Financial institutions or title companies validating tax transcripts during underwriting or closing processes.

Use patterns vary by industry; define the exact scope to avoid unnecessary disclosure and ensure compliance.

Core Components to Include in a Professional 8821

A complete Form 8821 clearly identifies parties, lists covered tax matters, sets effective and expiration dates, and includes an explicit signature and printed name.

Taxpayer identity

Includes taxpayer name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) to ensure disclosures match the correct account and avoid mistaken disclosures.

Appointee details

Names the individual or organization receiving information, with mailing address and telephone so the IRS can direct disclosures correctly.

Covered tax matters

Specifies tax form types, years, or matters (e.g., income tax years 2022–2024, employment taxes) to limit the IRS disclosures to relevant records.

Effective dates

States when the authorization begins and when it ends or note 'until revoked' so the duration of access is legally clear.

Signature block

Taxpayer signature, printed name and date are required; an agent cannot sign on behalf of taxpayer without proper power of attorney.

Revocation terms

Language or instructions for revocation should be included so the taxpayer or their representative can terminate access in writing.

Required Data Elements at a Glance

Taxpayer name: Full legal name
Taxpayer TIN: Social Security or EIN
Appointee name: Individual or organization
Tax matters: Years or types
Signature and date: Signed by taxpayer
Contact info: Address and phone

Step-by-Step: Filling Out Form 8821

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete and accurate Form 8821.

  • 01
    Gather records: Collect taxpayer and appointee identification and relevant tax years.
  • 02
    Complete fields: Fill taxpayer, appointee, and tax matters sections accurately.
  • 03
    Sign and date: Taxpayer signs; include printed name and date.
  • 04
    Deliver copy: Send to IRS office handling the matter and provide copy to appointee.

Configuring an Online 8821 Workflow

When digitizing Form 8821, set up fields and authentication to mirror paper requirements and preserve an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Auto-fill fields Use prefilled TIN and name to reduce entry errors
Authentication Require email verification or SMS code for signer identity
Conditional fields Show tax matter details only when selected
Notifications Send signed copies to taxpayer and appointee automatically

Where to Send Form 8821 and How Disclosures Happen

Form 8821 must be delivered to the IRS office that maintains the taxpayer's records or provided directly to the authorized appointee.

  • IRS office: Submit to the campus or office handling the taxpayer matter
  • Appointee copy: Provide the appointee a signed copy for their records
  • Tax professional: Send to the tax preparer or enrolled agent as instructed
  • Electronic delivery: Use secure eDelivery consistent with ESIGN and IRS guidance

Technical Considerations for Digital Completion and Sharing

Ensure the signing platform supports secure authentication, a robust audit trail, and the export formats required by recordkeeping policies.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Works with Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced options

Choose a vendor that provides tamper-evident signed PDFs, role-based access, and the ability to retain audit trails for compliance audits.

Timing, Processing, and Expectations

Form 8821 is submitted as needed; there is no statutory filing deadline, but plan for lead time so the IRS can locate and release records.

No filing deadline:

Submit when disclosure is required by taxpayer or appointee

Processing window:

Allow several weeks for the IRS to process requests

Effective date:

Disclosure begins on the effective date entered on the form

Expiration or revocation:

Access ends on expiration date or when revoked in writing

Recordkeeping:

Retain copies per record retention rules discussed below

Common Risks and Legal Consequences

Unauthorized disclosure: May violate privacy or tax confidentiality rules
Incorrect TIN: Could prevent IRS from locating records
Expired authorization: Disclosures after expiration may be improper
Confusion with POA: Form 8821 does not permit representation
Fraud risk: Fraudulent appointees may misuse information
Documentation gaps: Lack of audit trail complicates disputes

Comparing eSignature Pricing and Key Features

Basic pricing and feature availability for common eSignature vendors; signNow appears first as the primary column and competitors follow for comparison.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Form 8821

Answers to common questions about scope, revocation, e-signing, and differences between Form 8821 and related authorizations.


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