How long does the IRS take to process a Power of Attorney (POA) form?

12 Thanks for this info! Do you know if there's a way to check the status of a POA online? I tried looking around on the IRS website but couldn't find anything specific. Also, is there any benefit to having submitted the POA through a tax professional instead of directly?

7 Unfortunately, there isn't an online tracking system specifically for POA submissions. The IRS doesn't provide a way to check POA status online - calling that CAF unit number is really your best option. There can definitely be benefits to submitting through a tax professional. Many tax pros have dedicated fax numbers and relationships with the IRS that can sometimes help speed up processing. Some practitioners also have access to the IRS Practitioner Priority Service, which can sometimes provide updates that aren't available through normal channels.

15 How exactly does this service work? Does it actually interact with the IRS or just help you prepare the documents correctly? I've submitted my POA but I'm worried I might have messed something up.

4 I'm skeptical about these kinds of services. Does it really do anything more than what's already available on the IRS website? Seems like they're just charging for information that's freely available.

9 The service doesn't directly interact with the IRS on your behalf - it's more about document analysis and preparation. You upload your tax documents securely, and their AI system reviews everything to spot potential issues or errors that might cause delays. It identifies discrepancies and gives you guidance specific to your situation. For POAs specifically, it checks all the required fields, confirms the proper format for listing tax matters and years, and makes sure the representation section is properly completed. These are common mistakes that cause the IRS to reject POAs and start the whole process over again.

3 How does that even work? The IRS phone system is notorious for disconnecting calls and having hours-long waits. Are you saying this service somehow bypasses that?

18 Sounds too good to be true. I've spent HOURS on hold with the IRS only to get disconnected. How is a third-party service able to get through when regular people can't?

20 It doesn't bypass the system - it basically waits in the queue for you using their technology. Their system calls the IRS and navigates the phone tree automatically, then stays on hold in your place. When they're about to reach an agent, you get a call connecting you directly to that agent. It's all completely legitimate - they're just using technology to handle the wait time so you don't have to. I was definitely skeptical at first too, but when you're facing a deadline and have already wasted hours trying to get through, it's worth trying. The IRS doesn't care how you got connected - once you're on the line with an agent, you still need your POA and all your documentation to proceed.

11 Does this actually work? I tried to upload my POA through my mom's online account but couldn't find where to do this. Is there a specific section in the account portal where this option is available?

6 You're right to question this - I should have been more specific. The direct upload feature is somewhat new and still being rolled out. It's available through the Tax Pro Account system if you're a registered tax professional, but for individuals helping family members, it's more limited. To clarify, your family member would need to initiate this through their own IRS online account by going to "Authorization/Approval" and then "Authorize Tax Professional." However, this still requires them to actively participate in the process, which might not work in your situation if they're unable to manage their online account.

16 Thanks for the insider info! Quick question - does it make any difference if you submit the POA through a local Taxpayer Assistance Center rather than faxing or mailing it? I've heard they sometimes can expedite processing.

Yes, submitting through a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) can sometimes be faster, but there are caveats. The TAC can verify your identity in person and directly input the POA into their system, which bypasses the mail processing delays. However, most TACs require appointments now, and they may not be able to handle complex POA situations on the spot. If you do go the TAC route, bring multiple forms of ID for both you and your family member (if they can attend), plus the completed Form 2848. The key advantage is that they can sometimes give you immediate confirmation that the POA has been entered into the system. That said, for urgent situations like yours with the December deadline, I'd still recommend calling that Practitioner Priority Line first - it's usually faster than trying to get a TAC appointment.

This is really helpful advice! I didn't know about including the SSN on every page - that might be something I missed. Quick question about the hardship provisions: do you know what kind of documentation they typically require to expedite processing for health-related issues? My brother has been in and out of the hospital recently, so I might be able to provide medical records if that would help speed things up.

For hardship documentation, the IRS typically accepts a few different types of medical evidence. A letter from your brother's doctor stating that he's unable to handle his tax affairs due to his medical condition is usually sufficient. You don't necessarily need detailed medical records - just something on official letterhead that confirms his incapacity. Hospital discharge summaries or treatment schedules can also work if they clearly show ongoing medical issues that prevent him from managing his finances. The key is demonstrating that the medical situation makes it impossible for him to handle the tax matter himself. When you call, ask to speak with a manager if the first agent can't help with expediting. Mention both the upcoming deadline and the medical hardship - sometimes they can flag the POA for priority processing or even provide temporary authorization over the phone while the paperwork goes through. Also keep that simple authorization letter I mentioned handy as backup. Even a handwritten note from your brother saying "I authorize [your name] to discuss my 2023 tax matters with the IRS" with his signature and date can be surprisingly helpful in these situations.

This oral declaration option is exactly what I needed to hear about! I had no idea this was possible. My brother is currently in the hospital recovering from surgery, so having him participate in a three-way call might actually be more feasible than trying to get him to handle paperwork right now. Do you know if there are any specific phrases or language he needs to use during the call to make the oral authorization official? I want to make sure we do this correctly so the IRS agent will actually honor it. Also, does this oral declaration get recorded in their system permanently, or would I need to do it again for each subsequent call about his tax matters? Thank you so much for sharing this - it's giving me hope that I can still meet this deadline even if the formal POA doesn't process in time!