Power of Attorney (Form 2848 vs Form 8821) and the CAF

Free IRS Enrolled Agent SEE Part 3 (Representation, Practices and Procedures) lesson in Representation Before the IRS. 26 min read, ~3,955 words.

Form 2848 authorizes representation (speaking, signing, negotiating); Form 8821 authorizes disclosure only (information receipt, no advocacy). CAF number is assigned automatically on the first Form 2848 or 8821 filed and indexes every active authorization; it is administrative, not a practice credential. Signing the return for a client requires specific Form...

Read the full lesson, free →
Worked examples and practice. Free with a free account, no card.

What this lesson covers

Learning objectives

Browse all free EA Part 3 lessons or jump into free EA Part 3 practice questions.