Fill out 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship) online
Form 56 is used to notify the IRS that a fiduciary relationship exists. A fiduciary (such as an executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian) uses this form to establish their authority to act on behalf of another person or entity for tax purposes.
How to fill out 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship)
Enter the person or entity information
Provide the name, address, and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN) of the person or entity for whom you are acting as fiduciary.
Enter fiduciary information
Provide your name, address, and telephone number as the fiduciary. Check the type of fiduciary (executor, trustee, guardian, etc.).
Specify the authority
Indicate the date of appointment, the court or authority that appointed you, and the tax form types and periods for which you are responsible.
Sign and file with supporting documents
Sign and date the form. Attach a copy of your letters testamentary, court order, or other document establishing your fiduciary authority. Mail to the appropriate IRS service center.
About 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship)
Who needs this form
Executors or administrators of a deceased person's estate, trustees of trusts, guardians or conservators acting for incapacitated individuals, and receivers or assignees acting for insolvent entities.
Where to submit
File with the IRS service center where the person or entity for whom you are acting is required to file tax returns. The address depends on the type of return and location.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing the form promptly after being appointed as fiduciary
- Forgetting to attach a copy of the court appointment letter or other authorization document
- Not filing a new Form 56 to terminate the fiduciary relationship when it ends
- Using Form 56 instead of Form 2848 when you only need power of attorney (Form 56 is for fiduciaries, not tax representatives)
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What is the difference between Form 56 and Form 2848?
Form 56 notifies the IRS that you have been legally appointed as a fiduciary (executor, trustee, guardian) with authority over someone else's tax matters. Form 2848 is a power of attorney that allows someone you choose (like a tax professional) to represent you before the IRS. A fiduciary has broader legal authority than a power of attorney representative.
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