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Power of Attorney (POA) Forms (12)

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Power of Attorney (POA) Forms (12)

Updated March 16, 2024

A power of attorney (POA) form is a legal document that authorizes an individual (principal) to appoint someone else (agent) to make decisions and handle affairs on their behalf. Once signed, an agent can legally handle financial, medical, guardianship, and tax-related matters.

By State

 

Table of Contents

By Type (12)

 

Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney – The most common type of power of attorney. It allows a person to give financial responsibility to someone else and continues if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Advance Directive – Used for health care planning and combines a medical power of attorney and a living will.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

 

General (Non-Durable) Power of Attorney – Grants the same financial powers listed in the durable form except that it does not remain in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated or mentally disabled.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

IRS Power of Attorney (Form 2848) – Revised in Jan. 2021, allows an individual or business entity to elect a party, usually an accountant or tax attorney, to file federal taxes on their behalf.

Download: PDF

Limited Power of Attorney – Permits a person to carry out a specific activity on the principal’s behalf either as a one (1) time occurrence or for a specific period of time.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Medical (Health Care) Power of Attorney – Used by an individual to select someone to handle their health care decisions in the chance they are not able to do so on their own.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Minor (Child) Power of Attorney – A parent can give temporary custody of their child to someone else (typically 6-12 month maximum).

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Real Estate Power of Attorney – For a buyer or seller of a property that would like to hand over their rights in relation to handling the negotiation and transaction at closing.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Revocation of Power of Attorney – To void a current power of attorney arrangement.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

State Tax Filing Power of Attorney – Used to elect a tax preparer to handle a filing on behalf of an individual or entity. Can be used for State or Federal filings.

Download: (State Specific)

Uniform Power of Attorney Act Version – A standard (statutory) version used in 32 States.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Vehicle Power of Attorney – Hands over authority over a vehicle. Allows an agent to handle DMV activities and transfer ownership.

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

What is Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney designates an individual (agent) to handle someone else’s affairs (principal) for a fixed or indefinite time period.

“Durable,” the most common type, allows an agent to remain active if the principal becomes incapacitated.

A principal can appoint any person they want to be their agent. Once selected, the agent can do an innumerable amount of tasks for the principal as long as permission is granted in the power of attorney document.

Legal Definition

Power of attorney” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used.

Source: Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA), Section 102(7) (page 18):

How to Get Power of Attorney (5 steps)

  1. Choosing a Power of Attorney
  2. Selecting an Agent
  3. Writing the Form
  4. Signing with Witnesses
  5. Storing and Availability

1. Choosing a Power of Attorney

person researching types of power of attorney on laptop
Choose the power of attorney document based on the principal’s needs. It is common to complete multiple types to cover financial and medical related decisions.

2. Selecting an Agent

principal in conversation with agent

An agent should be someone who can make decisions based on the principal’s best interest.

3. Writing the Form

principal and agent filling out power of attorney form on laptop

A power of attorney document can be completed by the principal or with a lawyer (recommended).

Estate Planning

It is common to do complete other estate planning tasks while making a power of attorney, such as writing a last will and testament or living trust.

4. Signing with Witnesses

principal reviewing required forms for power of attorney

A power of attorney form must be signed in accordance with State law. This often requires two witnesses, a notary public, or both.

5. Storing and Availability

principal stretching while sitting at desk with binders of documents

It is recommended that the agent and any interested parties be given a copy. The signed copy must be shown each time the agent acts on behalf of the principal.

Signing as the Agent

closeup of agent signing power of attorney form

When the agent signs documents on behalf of the principal, they should sign in the following manner:

[Principal’s Name], by [Agent’s Name], Attorney-in-Fact

Sample

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, [PRINCIPAL’S NAME], residing at [PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS], hereby appoint [AGENT’S NAME], residing at [AGENT’S ADDRESS], as my attorney-in-fact (hereinafter referred to as “Agent”) to act on my behalf in the following matters:

(initial all that apply)

  1. _____ – Financial Matters: To manage, control, and make decisions regarding my finances and property, including but not limited to banking transactions, investments, real estate transactions, and tax matters.
  2. _____ – Healthcare Decisions: To make decisions concerning my medical care, treatment options, and healthcare services, including the authority to consent to or refuse medical treatment, surgery, or hospitalization on my behalf.
  3. _____ – Legal Affairs: To handle legal matters and represent me in legal proceedings, including signing legal documents, contracts and agreements, and engaging legal counsel on my behalf.
  4. _____ – Personal Affairs: To manage and make decisions regarding my personal affairs, including accessing and managing personal records, obtaining government benefits, and handling day-to-day matters as necessary.
  5. _____ – Other Powers: [DESCRIBE]

This Power of Attorney shall remain in effect in the event of my: (check one)

Incapacitation. Therefore, this form is not durable.
Death. Therefore, this form is durable.

Signature and Date:

Principal’s Signature: _____________________ Date: ______________

Witnesses:

Witness #1 Signature: _____________________ Date: ______________

Witness #2 Signature: _____________________ Date: ______________

Agent Acceptance:

I, the aforementioned Agent named herein, accept the responsibilities and duties as the attorney-in-fact for the principal under this Power of Attorney.

Agent’s Signature: _____________________ Date: ______________