The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) has taken an important step alongside the IRS with a digital tool that's already making a difference. This innovation is especially important for those who receive Social Security benefits and must fulfill tax responsibilities.
This is the Tax Pro Account, a tool designed so tax professionals can manage the necessary authorizations to help their clients easily and securely.
This from the IRS is here to stay: what the Tax Pro Account is
The IRS offers the Tax Pro Account tool as a digital self-service portal. It allows tax professionals to submit Power of Attorney (POA) requests or Tax Information Authorization (TIA) requests directly to the client's online account.
Once the client approves the request, it's immediately incorporated into the Centralized Authorization File (CAF). This eliminates the need to send documents by fax, mail, or upload portal, and drastically speeds up the process.
For daily use, this account is essential because it makes it easier to digitally manage authorizations and inquiries about client information. Professionals can view client tax information, such as outstanding balances, withdraw active authorizations, and manage payments in real time, as long as they have a valid CAF number.
It's this easy to open a Tax Pro Account
In addition, access is practically immediate once the client approves the authorization, which saves time and reduces resolution costs. Opening a Tax Pro Account is relatively simple. You only need to access the IRS website, log in or register (using ID.me or another secure system), and link your CAF number.
If you don't have a CAF yet, you must request it using Forms 2848 or 8821, outside the platform. Once it's active, you'll be able to request POA or TIA authorizations, view active authorizations, withdraw permissions, and manage client relationships from a single account.
Speed and digital security: SSA and IRS know it's vital
SSA has highlighted this tool as essential for providing peace of mind and support to Americans. They emphasize how quickly professionals can act and the digital security it offers when managing links with the IRS. This is especially important for Social Security beneficiaries, who might need to withhold taxes from their benefits or check if these are taxable in their personal situation.
In addition, IRS and SSA stress that this tool is set to be part of a larger transformation. Improvements are already being planned so professionals can view payment histories, balances, and notifications. They'll also be able to make payments or set up plans from the Tax Pro Account, following the IRS Strategic Operating Plan.