Authorizations, Disclosures- What are You Signing?
There are many different forms that we ask clients to sign throughout the year that provide us with authorization- but to do what exactly? Continue reading to learn about some of the most commonly used forms and their purpose:
The e-file authorization forms: These forms have various number/letter combinations based on their designation for federal, state, payroll, etc. but their purpose remains the same: signing one of these forms acknowledges that you have reviewed the returns and are giving us permission to file them on your behalf.
o Examples: 8879 (Federal), PA-8879 (Pennsylvania), TR-579-IT (New York), 8879-EMP (Federal payroll), etc.
1099 Electronic Filing Release Form: For those clients who file 1099s this form states that you have reviewed the prepared 1099s for accuracy and are giving us authorization to e-file them.
Power of Attorney Form 2848: this form allows a CPA to represent, negotiate, and speak on your behalf in connection with a federal tax matter.
Tax Information Authorization Form 8821: this form allows an accountant to disclose information regarding your taxes to an IRS representative in order to find resolution for a tax notice.
Third party disclosure: This form is required by law to be included among the forms in our tax preparation package. If signed it allows us to speak about your current tax returns with third parties such as mortgage brokers or your bank upon your direction.
You, as a client, have ultimate responsibility for your tax returns, so it is important to review the information we send to you prior to signing. If you have any questions regarding these forms or others, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. At Hark and Associates, PC, we are here to provide high quality service with the highest ethical standards in the business of CPA firms.
