8821-A

IRS Disclosure Authorization for Victims of Identity Theft

Agency
IRS
Revision
Rev. 10-2021
Fillable fields
21
Pages
2
Official source
IRS form page
Checked
October 21, 2026
Fill 8821-A online
Page 1 of form 8821-A

Form 8821-A: IRS Disclosure Authorization for Victims of Identity Theft

Form 8821-A, IRS Disclosure Authorization for Victims of Identity Theft, is a consent signed by a taxpayer. The instructions say it allows the IRS to disclose the taxpayer's return, any purported return, and other related return information to state or local law enforcement in the event of possible identity theft, and that it may not be used for any other purpose.

The form is handled by law enforcement, not mailed in by the taxpayer alone. The instructions say it is available only from IRS Criminal Investigation or state or local law enforcement agencies, and that it must be submitted by IRS Criminal Investigation and/or state or local law enforcement agencies. The consent does not cover the identity of, or investigatory information about, the person who may have filed the purported return.

You can fill out the PDF free in your browser on this page and download it without an account. The form notes that the IRS will only accept forms with original signatures.

What's on Form 8821-A

Taxpayer information

Taxpayer name, social security number, daytime telephone number and mailing address.

Tax year

The one tax year for which the return and any purported return was filed. Each additional year takes another Form 8821-A.

Taxpayer consent

The taxpayer's name, the recipient official's name and title, and the law enforcement agency's name, phone number and street address.

Scope of disclosure

Covers the return filed, any purported return, communications with IRS personnel and the IRS determination that the return was not the taxpayer's.

Taxpayer signature

A certification, signature, date signed, printed name and an optional title.

Notifications and IRS use box

Notices about Internal Revenue Code section 6103(c) limits for the taxpayer and the recipient official, and a For IRS Use Only box.

How to fill out Form 8821-A

  1. 1

    Taxpayer information

    Enter the taxpayer's name, SSN and street address. The instructions say to furnish the correct name and SSN so the IRS can respond.

  2. 2

    Tax year

    Enter the tax year for which the return and any purported return was filed. Use another form for each additional year.

  3. 3

    Consent blanks

    Enter the taxpayer's name, then the full name and title of the law enforcement official and the agency's name, address and telephone number.

  4. 4

    Sign only when complete

    The form says not to sign it if it is blank or incomplete. Sign and date it with an original signature.

  5. 5

    Hand it to the agency

    Return the signed form to the IRS Criminal Investigation or law enforcement contact, since the instructions say those agencies submit it.

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Where it goes and the 120 day window

Who submits it

The instructions say the form must be submitted by IRS Criminal Investigation and/or state or local law enforcement agencies.

Mailing address

The instructions give: Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, Stop 6716 AUSC, Austin, TX 73301.

120 days

The instructions say the IRS must receive the form within 120 days of the date the taxpayer signs and dates it, and forms received after 120 days are invalid.

Original signatures

The form says the IRS will only accept forms with original signatures.

One year per form

Each additional tax year needs its own Form 8821-A, according to the form.

Related forms

Who completes and submits Form 8821-A?

  • Identity theft victims

    The taxpayer certifies being the person whose name and/or social security number was used to file the return or any purported return.

  • State or local law enforcement

    The agency and the named recipient official receive the information and, the form says, may use it to investigate and/or prosecute the persons involved.

  • IRS Criminal Investigation

    The instructions name IRS Criminal Investigation as one of the parties that provides the form and submits it to the IRS.

  • Authorized signers

    A guardian, executor, receiver, administrator, trustee or other party may sign, certifying authority to sign with respect to the matter.

  • Not a general authorization

    The instructions say the form may not be used for any purpose other than disclosure to state or local law enforcement for possible identity theft.

The taxpayer signs the consent, and the instructions say law enforcement agencies provide and submit the form.

Official sources and the blank

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Questions about Form 8821-A

Where do I get Form 8821-A?

The instructions say it is available only from IRS Criminal Investigation or state or local law enforcement agencies, as appropriate.

Who sends Form 8821-A to the IRS?

The instructions say it must be submitted by IRS Criminal Investigation and/or state or local law enforcement agencies.

How long is a signed Form 8821-A valid?

The IRS must receive it within 120 days of the date the taxpayer signs and dates it. The instructions say forms received later are invalid.

Does it reveal who filed the fake return?

No. The form says the disclosure does not include the identity of, or investigatory information about, the persons who may have filed the purported return.

Can one form cover several tax years?

No. The form says to complete and submit another Form 8821-A for each additional year.