Form 8821: Tax Information Access
Need a lender, advisor, or family member to see your tax records? Form 8821 authorizes the IRS to share your confidential tax information with anyone you choose — without giving them the power to act on your behalf. It's the right form when you want someone to see your taxes, not negotiate them.
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Form 8821 (TIA) — Key Details
Who Can Be Designated
Any individual or organization — no professional qualification required. Unlike Form 2848, the appointee does NOT need a CAF number, PTIN, or professional license.
What the Appointee Can Do
Receive and inspect confidential tax information: transcripts, return copies, account records, audit reports, and IRS correspondence. The appointee CANNOT represent you, negotiate, sign documents, or make decisions.
What the Appointee Cannot Do
Cannot represent you before the IRS, sign agreements, negotiate settlements, receive refund checks, or execute waivers. For representation authority, use Form 2848 instead.
Duration
Remains in effect until you revoke it in writing or a specified expiration date is reached. If no expiration date is entered, the authorization remains valid indefinitely (though the IRS may request a new form after 7 years for older tax periods).
Multiple Designees
You can list multiple designees on a single Form 8821. Each designee receives the same information access scope. For different access scopes, file separate Forms 8821.
Revocation
Revoke by sending a written revocation to the IRS or by filing a new Form 8821 that supersedes the prior authorization for the same designee and tax periods.
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Not sure whether you need Form 2848 or Form 8821? We'll help you file the right authorization. Free consultation.