Form 8655

What is Form 8655?

Form 8655 (Reporting Agent Authorization) is an IRS Form that allows a business to authorize a reporting third-party agent, like a payroll provider or accountant, to handle certain tax-related responsibilities on its behalf.  
 
To fill out Form 8655, the business must provide certain information, including the business’s employer identification number (EIN), information about the reporting agent, and the specific tax forms and periods for which the reporting agent is authorized. 
 
This form authorizes a reporting agent to sign and file certain returns, make deposits and payments for certain returns, and receive duplicate copies of tax information, notices, and other communications regarding any authority granted by the IRS.

Why Should Form 8655 Be Submitted?

Form 8655 isn’t just a form; it is a useful mechanism for business owners to enhance their tax process.

Here’s why you may want to file Form 8655:

• Assigning filing responsibility to a reporting agent: With the ability to authorize a reporting agent, you can delegate the filing of certain tax returns or make tax deposits. This can be helpful if, for example, you have a payroll service or accountant for payroll or do not want the additional administrative effort required in filing.

•  Authorizing specific tax activities: The form allows you to authorize specific tax forms like 940, 941, 944, etc., which the reporting agent can manage. It gives you what you need to – but not more than you need – the authority to act for you.

•  Facilitating IRS communication: Once on file, your reporting agent can interact directly with the IRS for authorized matters. This includes signing and filing returns, making payments, and receiving IRS notices—saving you time and hassle. Form 8655 is essential if you want a third party to handle your payroll tax filings or communicate with the IRS on your behalf.

Who Needs to File Form 8655?

Form 8655 is a vital tool for delegating tax responsibilities and ensuring smooth communication with the IRS.

Form 8655 is required for:

• Businesses that use a payroll service provider or accountant to file federal tax returns and make tax payments.
• Companies that want to authorize a third party to electronically file forms like 940, 941, or 944.
• Any business that prefers to have a reporting agent receives duplicate IRS communications or notices regarding their tax filings.

If you’re handling all tax matters in-house, you likely don’t need this form. But if you’re outsourcing payroll or tax filings, it’s a must-have.

Where to Submit Form 8655

Form 8655 can be submitted to the IRS through;

• Mail: Send the form to the address listed in the IRS for instructions for Form 8655.
• Fax: The IRS also accepts faxed copies. The fax number is provided in the official IRS instructions.

You can always find the latest version of the form and instructions on the IRS website.

How to Fill Form 8655

Filling out Form 8655 is simple if you follow these easy steps. Here’s how to ensure your authorization is set up correctly and efficiently:

1. Gather Essential Information

Start by collecting all the necessary details for both your business and your chosen reporting agent:

• For your business: Have your legal name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), address, and phone number ready.
• For your reporting agent: Obtain their name, EIN, address, and contact person’s details.

2. Complete the Taxpayer Section

Enter your business’s legal name, EIN, address, and phone number exactly as registered with the IRS. If you operate under a trade name (a “doing business as” or DBA), include that as well.

3. Fill Out the Reporting Agent Section

Provide the reporting agent’s name, EIN, address, and contact information. Double-check these details to avoid any processing delays.

4. Specify Authorizations

This is where you define what your reporting agent can do on your behalf:

• Check the boxes for the specific tax forms you want the agent to handle, such as Forms 940, 941, 944, 945, or 1120.
• Next to each form, enter the starting period (for example, “2025/01” for the first quarter of 2025).
• If you want the agent to make deposits or payments, check those boxes.

5. Add Additional Authorizations (Optional)

You can further empower your reporting agent by checking boxes that allow them to receive IRS notices or provide information for penalty relief, if needed.

6. Review and Sign

Before submitting, carefully review all information for accuracy. An authorized person—such as an owner, officer, or partner—must sign, date, and indicate their title on the form. Missing signatures or incorrect signatories are common errors, so take care here.

7. Submit the Form

Mail or fax the completed Form 8655 to the IRS using the address or fax number provided in the official instructions. Remember to keep a copy for your records if you need to reference it later.

These steps will help you ensure that your reporting agent is properly authorized to handle your tax filings and payments, thereby streamlining your payroll and tax compliance.

What Happens After Submitting Form 8655?

After you submit the Form 8655, do the necessary:

• IRS Review: The IRS checks the form for completeness and accuracy. If anything is missing or incorrect, the form may be returned for correction.

• Linking to Reporting Agent File (RAF): Once accepted, the IRS adds the reporting agent’s authorization to its system, allowing the agent to act on your behalf for the specified forms and periods.

• Notification: The reporting agent usually receives confirmation from the IRS, sometimes including a signature PIN for electronic filing. This process can take about two weeks.

• Agent Authority Begins: The reporting agent can now sign and file returns, make deposits, receive IRS notices, and, if authorized, provide information for penalty relief.

• Maintaining Authorization: The authorization lasts until you revoke it by notifying the IRS in writing or submitting a new Form 8655 with a different agent.

If the reporting agent isn’t authorized on time, your business remains responsible for timely tax filings and payments. Late filings or payments can result in penalties and interest. Remember: Authorization on Form 8655 does not relieve you of your ultimate tax responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens after submitting Form 8655?

The IRS reviews the form, links the authorization to the reporting agent, and notifies the agent. The agent can then act on your behalf for the specified tax matters.

2. Can I revoke Form 8655 authorization?

Yes, you can revoke authorization at any time by submitting a new Form 8655 or a signed statement to the IRS.

3.Is Form 8655 mandatory for payroll services?

If you want a third party to file payroll tax forms or make payments on your behalf, Form 8655 is required.

4. How long is Form 8655 valid?

The authorization remains in effect until you revoke it in writing or designate a new reporting agent.

5. Can I e-file Form 8655 through my payroll software?

Many payroll providers offer electronic signing and submission of Form 8655 as part of their onboarding process. Check with your provider for details