At-a-Glance: Form 8821
What Is Form 8821?
Form 8821, "Tax Information Authorization," allows you to designate any individual or organization to receive your confidential tax information from the IRS. Unlike Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), Form 8821 only grants viewing rights—your appointee cannot act on your behalf or make changes to your tax accounts.
Who Needs Form 8821?
You'll need Form 8821 if you want to authorize someone to access your tax information without giving them power to act for you:
- •Mortgage lenders needing to verify your income for loan applications
- •Financial advisors reviewing your tax situation for planning purposes
- •Accountants or bookkeepers who need read-only access to your tax records
- •Business partners requiring transparency about tax filings
Where to Fax Form 8821 in 2025
Official IRS Fax Number
Note: This is the same fax number used for Form 2848 and other authorization forms. Always verify the current number on the latest form instructions.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete & Fax Form 8821
Enter Your Information
Fill in your name, address, and taxpayer ID number (SSN for individuals, EIN for businesses).
Designate Your Appointee
Enter the name and address of the person/organization you're authorizing. Include their CAF number if they have one.
Specify Tax Information
Check the boxes for which tax forms and years you're authorizing (e.g., Form 1040 for 2023-2025).
Set Expiration (Optional)
Leave blank for automatic 3-year expiration, or specify an earlier date if needed.
Sign and Fax
Sign and date the form. If married filing jointly, both spouses must sign. Fax to 855-214-7522.
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855-214-7522 (saved)
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Fax Form 8821 NowFAQ Section
What's the difference between Form 8821 and 2848?
Form 8821 only allows viewing tax information. Form 2848 grants full power of attorney to act on your behalf, including signing returns and making agreements with the IRS.
Can I revoke Form 8821 authorization?
Yes, submit a new Form 8821 with "REVOKE" written across the top and only Line 1 completed. Fax it to the same number: 855-214-7522.
How many people can I authorize?
You can authorize up to two appointees on one Form 8821. For more, submit additional forms.
Does Form 8821 expire?
Yes, it automatically expires 3 years from the signature date unless you specify an earlier expiration date on the form.
Can I file Form 8821 electronically?
No, the IRS requires paper submission via fax or mail. FaxFlow makes faxing quick and secure with instant confirmation.
Ready to Authorize Tax Information Access?
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