How to Get IRS Tax Transcripts and Complete Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)

When preparing a tax return, responding to an IRS notice, or resolving back tax issues, one of the first things we often need is your IRS tax transcripts. These transcripts help verify income, tax payments, filing history, and any IRS activity on your account.

There are two easy ways to authorize Gina Byrd CPA, PA to obtain your IRS information:

Download your own IRS transcripts and send them to us.
Authorize us to obtain them directly by completing IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or by approving our electronic authorization request through your IRS Online Account.

Here’s how each option works.

Option 1: Download Your Own IRS Tax Transcripts

The IRS allows taxpayers to securely access their tax information online through an IRS Online Account. From there, you can view and download several different types of transcripts.

Step 1: Sign in to Your IRS Online Account

Visit the IRS Online Account and sign in using your credentials. If you have never created an account, you’ll be asked to verify your identity before accessing your records.

Step 2: Navigate to Tax Records

After logging in:

Select Tax Records
Choose Get Transcript
Select the tax year(s) requested by our office

The IRS provides several transcript types, including:

Tax Return Transcript
Account Transcript
Wage and Income Transcript
Record of Account Transcript
Verification of Non-Filing Letter

Depending on your situation, we may ask for one or more of these documents.

Step 3: Download the PDF

Save each transcript as a PDF and securely email or upload the files to our office.

Option 2: Complete IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)

A Power of Attorney (Form 2848) allows Gina Byrd CPA, PA to communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf regarding the tax matters you authorize.

This authorization allows us to:

Request IRS transcripts
Speak directly with IRS representatives
Receive copies of IRS correspondence
Help resolve notices
Represent you during examinations and collections for the matters you authorize

A Form 2848 only covers the tax matters and years you specify on the form.

Completing Form 2848

We’ll usually prepare most of the form for you, but it’s helpful to understand what each section means.

Part I – Taxpayer Information

Provide:

Your name
Social Security Number (or EIN for businesses)
Current mailing address
Daytime phone number

If filing jointly, each spouse must complete and sign a separate authorization when required.

Representative Information

Our office will complete this section with the representative information and CAF details.

Tax Matters

This section identifies exactly what we’re authorized to handle.

Examples include:

Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax
Form 1120S – S Corporation
Form 1065 – Partnership
Payroll tax returns
Specific tax years

We’ll complete this section based on your needs.

Signature

Simply sign and date the form.

If you’re signing for a business entity, please sign using your official title.

Once signed, return the completed form to our office. We can submit it electronically or by other IRS-approved methods.

The Easiest Option: Approve Our Electronic IRS Authorization Request

The IRS now offers a fast and convenient electronic authorization process through Tax Pro Account and your IRS Online Account.

Instead of completing paper forms, we can send you an electronic authorization request.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1

Our office prepares the authorization request.

Step 2

The IRS sends the request to your IRS Online Account.

Step 3

You sign in to your IRS Online Account.

Step 4

You’ll see a notification that Gina Byrd CPA, PA has requested authorization to represent you.

Step 5

Review the authorization details.

Step 6

Approve the request electronically.

Once approved, the authorization is generally available immediately for eligible requests, allowing us to begin assisting you without waiting for paper processing.

Why We May Request IRS Transcripts

IRS transcripts help us prepare accurate tax returns and resolve tax issues more efficiently.

We frequently use transcripts to:

Verify prior-year tax returns
Confirm estimated tax payments
Identify IRS adjustments
Review wage and income information
Confirm withholding
Verify tax balances
Research missing returns
Resolve IRS notices
Prepare amended returns

Having the IRS records often prevents filing errors and saves valuable time.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Download Your Own Transcripts if:

You only need us to prepare a return.
You prefer to access your own records.
You already have an IRS Online Account.

Complete Form 2848 or Approve Our Electronic Authorization if:

You’ve received IRS notices.
You owe back taxes.
You need representation before the IRS.
You want us to communicate directly with the IRS.
You’d like us to obtain your transcripts for you.

Many clients find the electronic authorization process to be the fastest and easiest option because it eliminates paper forms and speeds up IRS access.