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Official form guide
Form 8796A: Request for Return/Information (Federal/State Tax Exchange Program - State and Local Government Use Only)
Treasury - Internal Revenue Service Form 8796-A is a Request for Return/Information used by state and local government tax agencies to request data from the IRS. This form specifies the agency's need and use for the requested data.
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IRS Form 8796A - Request for Return/Information (Federal/State Tax Exchange Program - State and Local Government Use Only)
Treasury - Internal Revenue Service Form 8796-A is a Request for Return/Information used by state and local government tax agencies to request data from the IRS. This form specifies the agency's need and use for the requested data.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to specify a precise reason in Section B-3 (beyond 'tax administration') is a key error.
- 2Not specifying the Tax periods or Type of return forms in Section B.
- 3Using a general statement (e.g., 'tax administration') instead of a specific need in Section B-3.
- 4Failing to complete all four lines in Section C, such as leaving the Date request made blank.
- 5Not checking the appropriate block under Section B for the Reason requested.
Plain English
This form allows a state or local tax office to ask the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for copies of specific tax returns, transcripts, or other financial information about a taxpayer. By completing Form 8796-A, the requesting agency formally notifies the IRS what records are needed and why they require them.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2021-10-14 22:10:25
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when state and local tax agency personnel need to request return(s) or return information from the IRS under the Federal/State Tax Coordination Agreement.
- Do not use Form 8796-A if you are sending an expedite request or another request that requires local handling; contact your local Disclosure Office instead.
- Check for other specific forms when requesting data outside of this exchange program, though no other form number is explicitly referenced in the source.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting Tax Transcript
When you need a transcript but not necessarily an audit workpaper copy.
✓ Check before you continue
General Data Request
If the request is general and doesn't fit neatly into the specific blocks of Form 8796-A.
✓ Check before you continue
Not stated in the official source
Specific Audit Item
When requesting a highly specific item not listed under 'Other (specify below)' in Section B.
✓ Check before you continue
Not stated in the official source
Deadline or filing window
The form itself does not list a filing deadline, but it requires noting the Date request made in Section C. The agency must state its need and use for the requested data as specifically as possible in section B-3 to ensure proper processing.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Return to I
The specific return(s)/return information being requested. · Section A, Line 1
Tax periods
The specific time frame(s) covered by the request. · Section B, Line 2
Reason requested
Check the appropriate block (e.g., Pending examination). · Section B, Line 3
Requesting Agency Name
The full name of your state or local tax agency. · Section A, Line 1
Group Manager Phone Number
The direct phone number for the approving Group Manager. · Section C, Line 2
Date request made
The exact date the form is being completed/submitted. · Section C, Line 1
Before you submit
- 1Complete all of Section A regarding the return(s) being requested.
- 2Check the appropriate block in Section B to specify whether you need a 'Copy of return(s)' or 'Transcript'.
- 3Specify the tax period(s) clearly in Section B, Line 2.
- 4Detail your agency's specific need and use for the data in Section B-3 (do not just say 'tax administration').
- 5Ensure both the Group Manager and the requesting party have signed in Section C.
- 6Verify the Date requested made in Section C is correct.
- 7Confirm you are sending the form to the pre-printed address listed in Section A.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Section B by checking the type of return/information needed and specifying the tax periods, ensuring the reason for the request is clearly checked or specified.
- 2Fill out Section C with all required information: the employee making the request, the date made, and obtain signatures/contact details from the Group Manager and the requesting party.
- 3Complete Section A by naming your agency and providing its full address, then state in Section B-3 exactly why the data is needed for tax administration.
- 4After all sections are complete and signed, forward Form 8796-A to the pre-printed mailing address listed in Section A. Keep a copy of the fully executed form.
Known limitations
- 1The form may be used by state and local tax agency personnel requesting return(s) or return information from the IRS.
- 2Do not send expedite requests or other requests that require local handling to the address listed in Section A; contact your local Disclosure Office for those.
- 3A general statement stating the data is needed for tax administration in Section B-3 is insufficient.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision 9-2021, dated September 2021. The source does not point to a specific 'latest information' page but provides the definitive revision date.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads 9-2021.
- Catalog Number — confirm it is 58558D.
- Mailing address — confirm the pre-printed address in Section A is current.
- Signature — ensure both the Group Manager and the requesting party (Section C) have signed.
- Form number — verify the title reads Form 8796-A.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1After signature approval, forward Form 8796-A to the pre-printed address listed in Section A.
- 2Keep a copy of the completed and signed Form 8796-A for your records.
- 3The recipient agency must understand that disclosure or use of the information is subject to criminal and civil liabilities under sections 7213 and 7431 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- 4If local handling is agreed upon by the Disclosure Office, submit the form directly to that office.
Sources
- SRCSection A is titled 'Return to' and indicates the request is made under terms of the Federal/State Tax Coordination Agreement.
- SRCForm 8796-A has Catalog Number 58558D and was revised in September 2021 (Rev. 9-2021).
- SRCSection B requires specifying the 'Reason requested' using checkboxes like Pending examination, Criminal investigation, Pending collection activity, or Other.
- SRCInstructions state that Section B-3 must specifically state the agency's need and use for the requested data; a general statement is insufficient.
- SRCThe form can be used by state and local tax agency personnel when requesting return(s) or return information from the IRS.
- SRCSection C requires documentation of the employee making the request, including their name, date made, group manager signature/phone number, and division details.
Common confusion points
What must I specify in Section B-3?
The source states a general statement like 'needed for tax administration' is insufficient; you must state the agency's need and use as specifically as possible.
→ Check that your description goes beyond just saying it is for tax administration.
Where do I send the form after filling it out?
After signature approval, forward Form 8796-A to the pre-printed address found in Section A.
→ Ensure you are using the specific mailing address provided on the form itself.
When should I use this form?
State and local tax agency personnel use Form 8796-A when requesting return(s) or return information from the IRS under the Federal/State Tax Coordination Agreement.
→ Verify your agency falls under state/local government jurisdiction.
What if my request needs special handling (like an expedite)?
Do not send it to the address in Section A; instead, contact your local Disclosure Office first.
→ Confirm with the Disclosure Office before mailing, especially if you need faster service.
Which sections must be completed?
Sections A, B, and C of Form 8796-A must be completed.
→ Ensure all three sections have information entered on them.
What is the official revision date I should use?
The current edition on file is September 2021 (Rev. 9-2021).
→ Confirm the form you are using displays 'September 2021' or a later date.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Contact your local Disclosure Office (for expedited or locally handled requests)
Questions about IRS Form 8796A
What is IRS Form 8796A used for?
This form allows a state or local tax office to ask the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for copies of specific tax returns, transcripts, or other financial information about a taxpayer. By completing Form 8796-A, the requesting agency formally notifies the IRS what records are needed and why they require them.
Who must file IRS Form 8796A?
State and local tax agency personnel must use Form 8796-A when requesting return(s) or return information from the IRS.
What information does IRS Form 8796A require?
Section A requires identifying the taxpayer via Name, SSN/EIN, and Address. Section B collects details like the Tax periods, Type of return forms, and Reason requested (e.g., Pending examination).
When is IRS Form 8796A due?
The form itself does not state a specific due date for filing it; instead, it requires noting the Date request made in Section C.
Where do I file IRS Form 8796A?
After signature approval, Form 8796-A must be forwarded to the pre-printed address listed in Section A. If expediting is needed, contact the local Disclosure Office first.
How do I complete IRS Form 8796A?
The filer must complete Sections A, B, and C. Section B-3 requires stating the agency's need and use for the requested data as specifically as possible. The form must be signed by an authorized representative in Section C before being forwarded to the pre-printed address in Section A.
What happens if IRS Form 8796A is filed incorrectly?
If information received via this form is disclosed or used for purposes other than authorized tax administrative functions, criminal and civil liabilities under sections 7213 and 7431 of the Internal Revenue Code apply.
What must I specify in Section B-3?
The source states a general statement like 'needed for tax administration' is insufficient; you must state the agency's need and use as specifically as possible. Check that your description goes beyond just saying it is for tax administration.
Source transparency
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