Form 8655 Filing Without The Paperwork.

IRS Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization, is used to provide authorization to the payroll provider as the Reporting Agent to handle specific tax responsibilities on behalf of the clients. This form allows you to:

These forms allow a trusted agent—like a payroll provider, accountant, or tax preparer—to:

• File employment tax returns like Form 940 and 941.
• Make federal tax deposits.
• Discuss the tax return with the IRS on behalf of your clients.

If your business files employment tax forms like 941, 940, 943, 944, 945, 1042, CT-1 or needs to make regular federal tax deposits, you can save time by authorizing a Reporting Agent.

With Form 8655, a Reporting Agent can:

• Handle employment tax return filings
• Make your federal tax payments electronically

To register as a reporting agent with the IRS, you need to follow the specific process to obtain authorization to file and deposit payroll taxes on behalf of your clients. Here’s what you need to do:

• Obtain an EFIN: You will need an EFIN to register as a reporting agent. If you don’t have one, apply from the IRS.
• Complete Form 8655 for each client: To act on behalf of your client, you must file Form 8655 (Reporting Agent Authorization). This form must be signed by both you and the client only then you’ll be able to handle taxes for your clients.
• Submit Reporting Agent List: Complete the reporting agent list along with Form 8655 to the IRS.
• Wait for confirmation from the IRS: Typically, the IRS takes two to four weeks to process Form 8655. Once accepted, you will be authorized as a reporting agent and provided with a 5-digit RA PIN.

Use this 5-digit RA PIN to sign Form 941 on behalf of your clients and file with the IRS.

Yes, you can electronically sign Form 8655 using a third-party provider like TaxBandits and get authorization from your clients to file the tax returns on their behalf.

You have two options to submit Form 8655 to the IRS:

• Fax: The IRS recommends submitting Form 8655 by fax. You can fax your form to 855-214-7523.

• Mail: You may also mail the completed and signed Form 8655 to:

  

  Internal Revenue Service
  Accounts Management Service Center
  MS 6748 RAF Team
  1973 North Rulon White Blvd.
  Ogden, UT 84404

Form 8655 typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks after submission. Faxed forms are processed more quickly (within 2 weeks), while mailed forms may take longer. Once processed, the IRS will authorize you to act on behalf of your clients, allowing you to file returns, make tax deposits, and receive IRS notices.

If you want to verify the status of Form 8655 or have questions about Reporting Agent Authorization, please call the IRS at (801) 620-3852.

To revoke the reporting agent authorization, you can follow one of these methods:

• Revoke by resubmitting the original Form 8655: Write ‘REVOKE’ on the previously signed Form 8655, re-sign the form under your original signature, and send it to the IRS.

• Revoke using a written statement: If you don’t have the original Form 8655, write a clear statement that you’re revoking the reporting agent authority. It must be signed by an authorized person (e.g., business owner or officer) and sent to the IRS.

Yes. In Line 7 of Form 8655, you specify the IRS forms and tax matters you are authorized to manage for the taxpayer. You may check several boxes on this line to indicate the forms you will file and make deposits for.

If your client already has reporting agent authorization with another party, you can file a new Form 8655 for that client. The new form will terminate the previous reporting agent authority for the tax periods beginning with the quarter or date you indicate on the new form.

If your Form 8655 is rejected, first call the IRS e-Help Desk at 866-255-0654 to find out why. Common issues for rejection of Form 8655 include:

• Incorrect EINs
• Missing signatures
• Incomplete information

Once you fix the issue, submit a corrected form by fax or mail. Wait 2–4 weeks, then call to confirm it’s been accepted.

More FAQs on Form 8655