How can I get information from IRS about my client?

[Ekhaterina]

I need 2016 and 2017 tax-related information about my new Kansas client in order to file his 2017 tax returns.  Due to this client’s health issues, he does not have that information readily available to share with me, so I have made effort to get what I need from IRS by obtaining the signature of my client’s power-of-attorney on Forms 4506-T and 8821.  On Form 8821 I have requested information regarding the 2016 Form 1040, any 2017 Forms 1099 or W-2 that may have been filed with IRS for the client, and any Forms 940 or 941 that may have been filed for the client’s business.  On Form 4506-T I requested a “Record of Account” specifying years 2016 and 2017.

I mailed Form 4506-T to:  Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, Stop 37106, Fresno CA 93888 on 10-12-18 along with a copy of the related Power of Attorney for the signator.

I faxed Form 4506-T and Form 8821 to Ogden UT at 1-855-214-7522 on 10-29-18.

I have neither heard anything nor received anything from IRS in response to these filings.

In an effort to try another route to acquire information, I also attempted to update my information with IRS e-services on-line, but had to call in for assistance because of a glitch concerning my name and address.  I received good assistance with this but my call was on 10-29-18 and I have yet to receive the necessary “activation code” from IRS in the mail that will allow me to sign in at e-services and move forward with a request within the Transcript Delivery System (TDS) regarding this client.

This is my first experience with these forms and TDS.  I would be grateful for some advice regarding how I need to progress from this point with these issues to avoid delays in serving my client’s needs.

[George4Tacks]

Don't worry about rushing, IRS is closing for the next two months.

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

According to the IRS website, it takes 30 days to get the info back from them on mailed requests.

[sjrcpa]

I find it takes a week to 10 days for a faxed 2848 to appear in the system. I think it took 2 weeks for me to get the secret code in the mail when I had an eservices glitch.

[Ekhaterina]

SJRCPA, you have brought up several more of my questions.  Even though I have already had my client sign Forms 8821 and 4506-T that would be used outside of e-services, is it actually Form 2848 that must be signed in order for me to get information using e-services?  If so, after Form 2848 is signed, do I need to fax it to 855-214-7522 Ogden UT, then wait about ten days, then sign into e-services (assuming that I do receive my code in the mail) and go to TDS, then look around for an inbox that hopefully will contain all the information I requested on that form?  

Will it be necessary to fax the Power-of-Attorney for the signator who actually will sign Form 2848, along with the transmittal of the 2848, or do you think IRS will accept Form 2848 without that additional documentation?

Just so I understand regarding the 8821 and 4506-T, did I send those to the right places (please see my original question for details)?  Should I have sent a signed Form 2848 with those two forms also?  After 30 days (as suggested by IRonMaN) can I expect to receive from IRS the information I requested using 8821 and 4506-T in the U S mail, or is there some additional action I need to take regarding the 8821 and 4506-T?  Will they mail it, or do they require a fax number to send the information to?  Having heard nothing from IRS, I actually do not know whether I have a productive request in their system, or whether I am in limbo somewhere with my efforts.

Thanks for your help.

[sjrcpa]

I only ever use the 2848 so I cannot answer those questions.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Did you have your client attempt to access transcripts using the IRS system?  Its possible for them to get them right on the fly from the website if they can get through the security protocol (proving they are who they claim to be).