Fax # for MA POA

[Abby Normal]

Form instructions say it can be faxed but provide no fax #s. Taxpayer is out of state now but lived in Franklin, if that matters.

Muchas Gracias!

[Catherine]

For the most part, you call MassDOR with the POA in hand, and the person you talk to tells you *their* fax number.  So you need two lines....  I always used to call on my house line so the work/fax line was free.

617-887-6367 is the phone.  They have a toll-free, too, but I've found this one gets answered faster and for me it's a local (-ish) call.

[Abby Normal]

Well that sucks. I don't need to talk to anyone right now. Called yesterday and wait time was unacceptable.

I guess I'll just mail it in.

Thanks!

[Catherine]

Wish I had better news for you.  I get them from clients and stick them in the client's folder until I need them.

Not too many years ago (and laughable considering the penalties MassDOR would heap on me if I did this) you could call and say it was about John Doe, ssn 123-45-6789 and that there is a signed POA - and they'd just talk to you.  Tell you ANYTHING.  Never ask for the POA; just take your word that you had it.  I kid you not.  I wish I had a nickel for every time I sat there, talking to MassDOR, with the never-requested POA in my hand.

[Abby Normal]

I get the feeling they don't have a central database of POAs they can easily look up. I'll attach a copy to the amended return. I just want to get a copy of any notices/letters.

[Catherine]

Make sure you check the box for copies of notices.  But also be aware that they only get THAT right about half the time.

They do keep a central database.  I have no idea how current it is, or how easy it is for agents to access it.

[Abby Normal]

Thanks for all your time, Catherine! Yes, I did check that box. I actually liked the form. It was nice and clean and mimicked the IRS 2848, so it was easy to use. But actually filing it is apparently discouraged since there is no address in the instructions.

[Catherine]

Send it with the return - on TOP.  Or I can give you a MassDOR mailing address.

[Abby Normal]

I thought it would be a good idea to attach it to the return. I mailed the POA to the amended return address. Figured they could get it to where it belongs. Or not.

I guess MA DOR really deserves their 1 star ratings that I saw on Yelp or someplace. One guy said he wished he could give zero stars!

[Catherine]

Zero stars is still generous. LOL.