Does this third party designee checkbox authorize only the individual signing the return or does it also include other tax preparers employed by the firm? In other words does it designate the firm as a whole or only a the specific individual listed as paid preparer?
I've had mixed success calling the IRS about misapplied payments, etc. when I am not listed as the paid preparer. It seems some IRS employees make the connection that I'm associated to the firm listed on the return and discuss the issue with me. Other IRS employees insist on only speaking to the paid preparer.