Client requests documents be faxed to 3rd party

[equinecpa]

I had a client call me today requesting I fax her 2008 w-2 to her bank. I wasn't sure that without written authorization if that was OK, so I faxed it to her, to fax. Do tax preparers need written authorization to forward client documents?

If this were a return I'd prepared or something I prepared I would request written authorization - but in this case it was her own document.

Thanks

Carolyn

[AZ-Tax]

Absolutely obtain written request....

I have had some clients request their tax docs be faxed to a 3rd party and most of them were like, "whats the big deal, why do I need to sign something". To CMA or CYA.....

[taxea]

You should not have to have the client sign a release, they should. I contact the third party and request a sign authorization to release documents. This is something the third party should provide to you if they are the ones asking for the documents. taxea

[Jesse]

I had a client call me today requesting I fax her 2008 w-2 to her bank. I wasn't sure that without written authorization if that was OK, so I faxed it to her, to fax. Do tax preparers need written authorization to forward client documents?

If this were a return I'd prepared or something I prepared I would request written authorization - but in this case it was her own document.

Thanks

Carolyn

http://www.thetaxbook.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10331&highlight=disclosure+requirements

Check out this thread for new consent requirements that went into effect 1/1/09