Iowa Department of Revenue explains third‑party authorizations, GovConnectIowa and how to respond to notices

During a webinar hosted by Iowa SourceLink at the University of Northern Iowa, officials from the Iowa Department of Revenue outlined how taxpayers and their representatives should request access to confidential tax information, use the department's GovConnectIowa portal, and respond to department letters and audits.

Terry O'Neil, a revenue service specialist with the Iowa Department of Revenue, led the presentation and cautioned listeners that "nothing should be construed as legal advice," and that department staff will ask verification questions before releasing confidential information. Ben Clow, a department presenter, summarized the department's four main authorization types for third‑party access — authorized representative, power of attorney, disclosure designee and authorized entity representative — and explained what each status allows and limits.

The guidance matters because tax information the department holds is confidential and the method used to grant access affects who may receive information, file appeals or make changes. "We don't know who owns your business until you tell us," Clow said, explaining why the department requires a representative certification or other…