A person or organization formally permitted to act on behalf of a company in specific legal or administrative matters.
What is an Authorized Representative?
An authorized representative is someone designated to handle official matters on behalf of a business, even if they are not an owner or manager. This role often includes signing forms, submitting filings, and communicating with government agencies or service providers.
The title of authorized representative is commonly used in situations such as forming a company, applying for an EIN, opening a U.S. bank account, or handling compliance filings. Unlike an authorized member, an authorized representative does not need to be an owner of the company. Their authority is typically limited to specific administrative or legal tasks and must be granted in writing, usually through a signed declaration, company resolution, or formal authorization form.
In the eyes of the IRS, an authorized representative is someone permitted to apply for an EIN, communicate with the IRS, or receive official correspondence on behalf of the business. To fulfill these roles, the representative must usually be listed on Form SS-4 (Application for EIN), or formally appointed through Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) for broader tax-related matters. Authorized representatives are often attorneys, professional service providers, or trusted individuals, particularly when business owners are located outside the U.S. While they may act on behalf of the company in important matters, this role does not grant ownership or general decision-making authority unless explicitly specified.
