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IRSOther IRS Forms (7000–9999)

Official form guide

Form 8655: 8655

Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization, lets a business name an IRS‑approved agent to file returns, make payments, and receive notices on its behalf. Use it when you want an accountant, payroll service, or other third‑party to handle tax filings for you.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8655 - 8655

Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization, lets a business name an IRS‑approved agent to file returns, make payments, and receive notices on its behalf. Use it when you want an accountant, payroll service, or other third‑party to handle tax filings for you.

It captures the business’s name, EIN, address, the agent’s name, address, and the specific tax types the agent is authorized to handle.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire authorization.
  • 2Missing or incorrect EIN
  • 3Agent’s address entered incorrectly
  • 4Signature not from an authorized officer
  • 5Using an outdated form edition

Plain English

Think of Form 8655 as a power‑of‑attorney for taxes. It tells the IRS that a specific person or company can sign, file, and pay your tax forms for you, and that the IRS can send any notices to that agent instead of you.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2024-01-08 22:10:16
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

personparty

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need to grant a third‑party authority to file and pay taxes for your business.
  • Do not use for individual taxpayers; they use Form 2848.
  • If you only need to receive notices, consider Form 8822‑B instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Only need to change address for tax notices

Updates mailing address only

✓ Verify no filing authority is needed

Form 8822‑B

Individual wants a tax power of attorney

Grants authority for personal tax matters

✓ Ensure the individual’s SSN is used

Form 2848

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline for Form 8655, but the authorization must be on file before the agent submits any return or payment for the period. Submitting after a filing date can cause the IRS to reject the return and may trigger penalties.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Business name and EIN

Articles of incorporation or EIN confirmation letter · IRS notice or EIN issuance letter

⚠ Often omitted or misspelled✕ High
2

Agent name and address

Contract or engagement letter with the agent · Agent’s business card or letterhead

⚠ Typos in street number✕ Medium
3

Authorized tax types

List of tax forms the agent will handle · Prior year filing list

⚠ Leaving a tax type blank✕ High
4

Signature of authorized officer

Corporate resolution or officer list · Signature block on the form

⚠ Signature from an unauthorized person✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm you have the latest Form 8655 edition.
  2. 2Verify the business EIN matches IRS records.
  3. 3Check the agent’s name and mailing address for accuracy.
  4. 4List all tax types the agent is authorized to handle.
  5. 5Obtain a signature from an officer listed in the entity’s records.
  6. 6Date the form in the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY).
  7. 7Attach any required power‑of‑attorney if the agent requests it.
  8. 8Make a photocopy of the completed form for your files.
  9. 9Mail or fax to the correct IRS address/fax listed for the agent’s location.
  10. 10Track the mailing with a delivery confirmation service.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current Form 8655 PDF from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Enter the business’s legal name, EIN, and address.
  3. 3Enter the reporting agent’s full name, address, and EIN (if applicable).
  4. 4Select the specific tax returns the agent may file (e.g., Form 941, 940, 1120).
  5. 5Have an authorized corporate officer sign and date the form.
  6. 6Place the signed form in an envelope with the correct IRS mailing address.
  7. 7Send via certified mail or fax; keep the receipt or tracking number.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form 8655 cannot be filed electronically.
  2. 2The IRS does not provide a confirmation receipt after processing.
  3. 3Only one reporting agent can be authorized per form; additional agents require separate forms.
  4. 4The form does not automatically revoke a prior authorization; a separate revocation must be filed.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 8655 does not have a filing deadline; it remains in effect until revoked or changed. Verify the current edition date before using.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the most recent version (check IRS website).
  • Fee – no filing fee required.
  • Mailing address – use the address specific to the agent’s state as listed in the instructions.
  • Fax number – if faxing, confirm the current IRS fax number.
  • Signature line – ensure the signatory is an authorized officer of the entity.

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Quick Facts

The business (corporation, partnership, LLC, or sole proprietor) that wants to delegate tax filing responsibilities files the form.
It captures the business’s name, EIN, address, the agent’s name, address, and the specific tax types the agent is authorized to handle.
File the form before the agent begins filing or making payments for the tax period in question; most businesses submit it at the start of a fiscal year or when switching agents.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the agent’s location, or fax it to the IRS if a fax number is provided. No electronic filing option is available.
If the form is incomplete or signed incorrectly, the IRS will not recognize the agent’s authority, causing filing delays, penalties, or missed notices.
1. Download the latest Form 8655 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in the business information and the agent’s details. 3. Have an authorized officer sign and date the form. 4. Attach any required supporting documents, such as a power‑of‑attorney, if requested. 5. Mail (or fax) to the address in the instructions and keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1File the signed copy in the business’s tax records.
  2. 2Confirm receipt of the form by checking the agent’s IRS online account for updated authorization status.
  3. 3Notify the reporting agent that the authorization is on file.
  4. 4Monitor upcoming filing deadlines to ensure the agent is using the correct authority.
  5. 5If the agent changes, submit a new Form 8655 and revoke the old one with a written notice.
  6. 6Retain any delivery confirmation or fax receipt for at least three years.

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 8655 instructionsconfirms purpose and required fields.
  • SRCIRS websitelatest edition date listed in PDF header.
  • SRCIRS Publication 5explains reporting agent responsibilities.
  • SRCIRS mailing address tableshows address by state for Form 8655.
  • SRCIRS FAQnotes no electronic filing option.
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official source

Common confusion points

Form 8655 vs. Form 2848

2848 is for individuals, 8655 for entities

→ Verify entity type before choosing

Authority scope

Not all tax types are listed automatically

→ Double‑check the specific forms needed

Signature authority

Some businesses require a corporate seal

→ Check corporate bylaws for signing rules

Mailing address

IRS provides multiple addresses by state

→ Use the address listed for the agent’s state

Revocation process

No separate revocation form exists

→ Send a written notice stating revocation

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

3 signals

Before

Form 8822‑B (change of address for business) | Used with: Form 8655 | After: Agent begins filing returns

Current

8655

After

None listed

Often used with

Form 941 (quarterly payroll) | After: Agent submits payroll taxes under the authority

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 941‑X (amended payroll return) | May need to re‑authorize agent if original authorization was rejected

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Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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