Sending authorizations to IRS

[Kea]

I may have to discuss a CP2000 with the IRS soon. But it's possible that I won't have access to a fax machine at the time I'm calling them. Can the authorization be sent by e-mail?

I may be able to send it from my "MyFax" account, but I've never used it for outgoing faxes. (So I'd have to learn how to do that!)

[ILLMAS]

Here are the instructions on how to use Myfax email to fax:

http://www.myfax.com/faqs.aspx

[Jack from Ohio]

The IRS will not accept any documents via e-mail. If you are an EA, you can input the 2848 through e-services.

I solved the problem of my fax using the same line as my phone by getting Magic Jack. I call using Magic Jack, then fax the 2848 using my phone line. Works great.

[ILLMAS]

I sometimes have a client sign a POA and form 8821, there has been a couple of times form 2848 is denied because I am not an EA, CPA or attorney, has anyone else experience this before?

[Jack from Ohio]

I sometimes have a client sign a POA and form 8821, there has been a couple of times form 2848 is denied because I am not an EA, CPA or attorney, has anyone else experience this before?

Regularly. 8821 has much more power for the preparer if he is not an EA, CPA or Attorney.

[Kea]

MAS - thanks for the link. I knew it wouldn't be too challenging, just haven't had to do it before.

I am not an EA, but I am an RTRP (not like that matters anymore). I actually switched my "landline" to a MagicJack a couple of years ago & it does work great (as long as there is a good internet connection). However, in this case, I may be away from my office and not have access to a physical fax machine.

I'm still waiting for some information before determining if I even need to call IRS. I hope to get that today. Could I fax the authorization to IRS, say over the weekend, and then call on Monday / Tuesday? Would they be able to "find" it?

Thanks!

[ILLMAS]

I would recommend to fax it once you have the agent on the line, faxing it in advance doesn't always guarantee it will be processed on a timely matter, just last week I had called to follow up in regards to a client of mine, I had faxed over form 8821 and spoke with agent a month before, when I called they had no record of the form on file, so thankfully I had the signed copy and faxed it over.

[Kea]

I agree it's preferable to fax while they are on the line. Just trying to find out my options if that one is not available.

Any problem with the IRS accepting (receiving) a MyFax fax? I know there have been comments previously that IRS will only fax to a physical machine.

[Guest Taxed]

Faxing in advance has not worked for me so far. I always get the agent on line and ask them to give me the fax # where I should fax.

[Kea]

After getting this additional information, I may not need to contact IRS. (Still not sure yet.)

I may just do the 1040X with the new documents and send it with the CP2000. This is all related to the big IRA snafu I wrote about last month. I've been trying to find out what info the bank actually sent to IRS and if they were able to match it up to the CP2000 notice. Turns out the bank sent a "corrected" 1099R. I'll do a 1040X showing the RMD, attach the CP2000 and write a letter explaining the issues.

One thing I don't like on this credit union's 1099Rs, is that they only show the first line of the name of the account. So, it this case it only displays the client name and leaves off the 2nd line that shows his mother's name and the beneficiary designation -- even though that is on the account.

I'll call the client this evening.

[Lion EA]

You can fax at any time, calling to see when it's finally entered into the CAF unit. Then you can call re that client when and if the time arises.

If you won't have that much lead time or they still haven't processed your POA: call your client, conference call the IRS into that call, have your client give verbal permission for the IRS and you to talk about his issues.

Look for fax machines where you'll be, maybe a Staples or Kinko's or friendly, local realtor's office or your hotel or...

[Guest Taxed]

I have never seen a 1099-R with 2 names. The name is of the person whose ss# appears on the form.

[joanmcq]

You can't file a 2848 if you are not a CPA, EA or attorney. You're limited to the 8821.

[Kea]

Actually the document I was the authorization page of the CP2000. But if my cover letter and 1040X explanation suffice, I hope to not have to call. If not, I hope it will "buy me some time" so I can call later and not Monday. If that works, then they should hopefully have the authorization from the mailed CP2000 response.

I did consider faxing from a Kinkos or Staples, etc. but was a bit wary of having my IRS conversation in a public building.

[Lion EA]

Run out to your car after retrieving your documents from their fax machine.

[Kea]

Good point!

[Catherine]

Run out to your car after retrieving your documents from their fax machine.

Don't do this in Massachusetts! Those public fax machines store the scans internally until they are "wiped" and most store personnel don't know how to do that. Identity thieves know how to retrieve it, though. So in MA, the private information protection laws forbid leaving such info (name, address, ssn!) anywhere they could be accessed. I had a fax to send last year when my machine was on the fritz and found most alternative methods (pay-for-fax at Kinko's, some email fax services) didn't pass muster.

[Guest Taxed]

Don't do this in Massachusetts! Those public fax machines store the scans internally until they are "wiped" and most store personnel don't know how to do that. Identity thieves know how to retrieve it, though. So in MA, the private information protection laws forbid leaving such info (name, address, ssn!) anywhere they could be accessed. I had a fax to send last year when my machine was on the fritz and found most alternative methods (pay-for-fax at Kinko's, some email fax services) didn't pass muster.

This is also true of certain commercial copiers. In both cases the culprit is the internal hard drive some of these commercial grade machines have. Your best bet is to find a place that uses cheap fax machines, because those generally do not have internal hard drives. If I was looking to fax somewhere public I would try to find a place that has those inexpensive Multi Function printers.

My local gas station/convenience store has a Brother 575 machine at 10 cents per page!

[Kea]

All good advice. I think (hope) I got lucky and won't need to worry about it afterall.

I'm a form believer in Murphy's law. If I hadn't asked this afternoon, I wouldnt have gotten the info I needed. But now that I got all these great suggestions, I may not need them- well at least for now. Still good to know!

Thanks