IRS Tax Pro Account: Setup, CAF Access and 2026 Features for Tax Professionals

What Is an IRS Tax Pro Account?

The IRS Tax Pro Account is designed for tax professionals. Depending on credentials and authorization rights, a professional can use it to:

• request a Power of Attorney (POA) or Tax Information Authorization (TIA) for an individual taxpayer
• request or link an individual Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number
• view taxpayer information covered by an active authorization
• view and withdraw active authorizations
• make payments or manage payment plans for authorized individuals where supported
• manage certain business CAF relationships and authorized users

The IRS launched the portal in 2021 and has expanded it over time.

What Changed for Tax Pro Account in 2026?

The major 2026 change is expanded support for tax practices using a business CAF number.

A designated business representative can now:

• link the firm's business CAF number to its Employer Identification Number
• add or remove employees authorized to act under the business CAF
• view permitted taxpayer information and active authorizations
• withdraw authorizations for the firm

This helps firms with several professionals working under one business CAF. It does not make digital POA or TIA requests available for business taxpayers; those Tax Pro Account requests remain limited to individuals.

How to Set Up an IRS Tax Pro Account and Link a CAF Number

Use the IRS Tax Pro Account login and complete the IRS identity-verification process. Once signed in, link your CAF number to unlock the portal's account and authorization tools.

A CAF number identifies authorization relationships involving POAs and TIAs. Tax Pro Account can issue an individual CAF number online. A business CAF number must still be obtained by submitting Form 2848 or Form 8821.

How CAF linking works

1. Sign in and select the option to link a CAF number.
2. Enter the CAF number. For a business CAF, also enter the firm's EIN.
3. Request a PIN.
4. Wait for the PIN to arrive by mail at the CAF address.
5. Return to Tax Pro Account and enter the PIN.

The IRS says the PIN generally arrives within one to two weeks. Confirm the CAF address before requesting it. Once linked, a CAF number cannot be unlinked.

If the CAF address is wrong, update it through an authorization form or written notice; the address cannot currently be changed in Tax Pro Account. An eligible professional who needs a first individual CAF number can request one through the portal and receive it online rather than waiting for a submitted form to be processed.

Linking allows you to view permitted taxpayer information, see active authorizations recorded on the CAF and withdraw authorizations in real time. An individual CAF must be linked by the person to whom it was assigned.

What Can You Do Once Your CAF Number Is Linked?

A linked CAF number provides one place to review active POAs and TIAs, including authorizations submitted through Tax Pro Account or on Forms 2848 and 8821. You can also withdraw an authorization online without submitting a paper withdrawal.

Taxpayer information is limited to the forms, matters and periods covered by the authorization. Depending on that authority, available information may include balances, payments and audit status.

The portal also shows the status of requests submitted through Tax Pro Account. An approved request should appear after the taxpayer accepts it. Where supported, a professional can make payments or work with payment plans for an authorized individual.

Tax professionals searching for an “IRS Tax Pro Account transcript” should note that Tax Pro Account does not replace the Transcript Delivery System. Transcript services and other professional tools remain available separately through IRS e-services.

Power of Attorney vs. Tax Information Authorization

Form 2848 is used for POA; Form 8821 is used for TIA. POA requests require authority to practice before the IRS. Eligible representatives include attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, enrolled actuaries and enrolled retirement plan agents. The Unenrolled Return Preparer Guide explains the narrower representation rights that apply to noncredentialed preparers.

For a supported individual request, the professional initiates the POA or TIA in Tax Pro Account and the taxpayer approves it through an IRS Individual Online Account.

If several representatives need the same authorization, each submits a separate request. The taxpayer must approve those requests on the same day, and no more than two representatives may receive copies of IRS notices and communications.

Tax Pro Account vs. Forms 2848 and 8821

Tax Pro Account creates a digital authorization request; it does not upload Form 2848 or 8821. The IRS has a separate online system for uploading those forms.

Forms 2848 or 8821 may still be needed when the digital workflow does not support the taxpayer, tax matter, period or authorization-retention need. Uploaded, faxed and mailed forms enter the IRS processing queue.

What Does the Client Need to Do?

The tax professional starts the request. The individual taxpayer must then:

1. sign in to an IRS Individual Online Account
2. open the authorization request
3. review its details
4. approve it electronically

You can submit the request before the taxpayer creates an online account. The request becomes available for review after the taxpayer creates an account and signs in.

The taxpayer's name and address must match IRS records. Encouraging clients to create online accounts before filing season can reduce delays when an authorization is needed.

Key Limitations and Things to Watch

• Individual requests only: New digital POA and TIA requests are not available for business taxpayers.
• Limited coverage: Only supported tax matters and periods can use the digital workflow.
• Matching records: Taxpayer information entered in the request must match IRS records.
• Business CAF issuance: A business CAF cannot be issued through Tax Pro Account; submit Form 2848 or 8821 to obtain one.
• Separate transcript tools: Use IRS e-services and the Transcript Delivery System for transcript work not available in Tax Pro Account.
• Prior authorizations: Check whether a new request will revoke authority that needs to remain active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep Your Tax Knowledge Current

Review the IRS Continuing Education Requirements Guide and the Unenrolled Return Preparer Guide, or explore the IRS/AFSP Continuing Education Package. More professional references are available in the Tax Preparer Resources hub.