Third Party Designee
A Third Party Designee is an individual you authorize to discuss your tax return with the IRS on your behalf. This can be your tax preparer, a family member, or any other person you trust. The designee can receive and provide information about your return, including responding to IRS questions or requests for additional documentation.
How to Designate a Third Party
- Check the “Yes” box in the Third Party Designee section on:
- Page 2 of Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR
- Page 3 of Form 1040-SR
- Page 2 of Form 1040-SS
- Enter the designee's:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Any 5-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) chosen by you and the designee
- Ensure the designee understands their role and agrees to act on your behalf within the allowed limits.
Authority of a Third Party Designee
The designee is authorized to:
- Discuss your tax return with the IRS
- Receive and provide information related to the return
- Respond to IRS notices about math errors, offsets, or return processing
The designee is not authorized to:
- Sign your tax return
- Amend your return
- Receive your refund
- Represent you before the IRS in audits or appeals
- Execute closing agreements or bind you to legal decisions
Important Notes
- The IRS may communicate with both you and the designee, not exclusively the designee.
- This authorization is temporary and generally expires one year from the due date of the return (without extensions).
- A Third Party Designee is not the same as a Power of Attorney. For full representation, you must file Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative).
Source:
Form 1040 Instructions
Disclaimer: Always verify information with official Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions.