What This Letter Means

Letter 6018 is a third-party access check. IRS records show that someone has authority to access your tax account, based on a Form 2848 (power of attorney) or Form 8821 (tax information authorization) on file. The letter names that person or business and asks you to confirm it.

The IRS says this is a random review of current authorizations. It does not mean there is a problem with your account. The point is to make sure only people you approved, whether a tax professional or a family member, can see your information.

What to Do

  • Read the name on the letter. Decide whether you actually authorized that person or firm.
  • Check one box: you did authorize them, or you did not.
  • Return the letter within 30 days of its date, by mail to the address on the letter or by fax to the number on the letter.

Keep a copy of what you send and proof that you sent it.

If You Don't Respond

The IRS will put all actions on your account on hold, including refunds, until you respond and it completes the verification. Ignoring this letter can stall a refund you are waiting on.

If You Don't Recognize the Name

Check the "did not authorize" box. The name listed may belong to a firm connected to the preparer or representative you did hire, so look at that before you assume fraud. The IRS will contact you if you need to take more steps.

Letter 6018-A and Letter 6018-B

Letter 6018-B is the same review when several third parties are on file. Within 30 days you either confirm all of them, by phone or by checking box 1 on the response page, or you check box 2 or box 3 to mark the ones you no longer want or never authorized, then sign and mail or fax the response page.

Letter 6018-A follows a response saying you did not, or no longer, authorize someone. To end that person's access, sign, date, and return a copy of the letter. You can use the letter this way for up to 60 days after its date. If you don't return it or revoke the authorization another way, the authorization stays in effect.

If you received Letter 6018 and aren't sure who has access to your tax account, call us at (813) 229-7100.