POA Options?

[L.S.]

This person has General POA. Can this return be e-filed? 8879 or 8453? Do I need to attach 2848? Do I even need the 2848 if I attach a copy of the General POA?

Thank you.

[jainen]

>>This person has General POA<<

The IRS insists a general power of attorney can not be used unless it specifically authorizes tax work like Form 2848, but most lawyers disagree. I accept the power of attorney if it appears to be legitimate but caution the family about the IRS objection. In any case, neither Form 2848 nor a general power of attorney is valid if the client is not competent to sign the form herself.

[taxperson]

On the EF Info on page one there's a box for Power of Attorney. A 2848 will have to be mailed with form 8453.