IRS Form 13989 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – Are you a tax professional (Enrolled Agent, CPA, attorney, or other practitioner) struggling with a complex client tax case? IRS Form 13989, officially titled the IRS Tax Forum Case Resolution Data Sheet, is your key to getting direct, one-on-one assistance from IRS experts at the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums.
This free, two-page form streamlines case intake for the Practitioner Case Resolution Program. It remains the current version (Rev. 5-2012, posted June 26, 2018) with no updates as of 2026. Below is everything you need to know, including how to download, complete, and use it effectively.
Download the Official IRS Form 13989 Here
Click to download the PDF (Catalog Number 51639F)
What Is IRS Form 13989 and Why Does It Matter?
Form 13989 is not a tax return or filing form. It is an internal case-resolution tool used exclusively at the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums.
Purpose: It helps IRS specialists quickly understand your client’s toughest unresolved issue so they can provide targeted guidance during a scheduled appointment. If the case cannot be fully resolved on-site, the IRS assigns it to the appropriate specialist for follow-up.
The program is designed for practitioners only — you bring one case per practitioner (your client’s “toughest” unresolved matter). Personal tax problems of the practitioner are not eligible.
This service has operated for years as part of the IRS’s marquee outreach to tax professionals and continues in 2026.
Who Should Use IRS Form 13989?
Use Form 13989 if you are a tax professional attending an IRS Nationwide Tax Forum and want to:
- Resolve complex collection, examination, identity theft, credit issues, or other account problems
- Get direct answers from IRS Collection, Exam, Appeals, TAS, or other operations
- Accelerate resolution beyond standard phone or mail channels
Important restrictions:
- One case per practitioner per forum
- You must have a valid Form 2848 Power of Attorney (POA) covering all relevant tax periods and forms
- Only the practitioner named on the POA may enter the Case Resolution area
2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Dates & Registration
The IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the premier events for tax professionals. Each three-day forum offers seminars, workshops, CE credits, and the Case Resolution Program.
2026 Locations and Dates (Registration opens March 2026):
- Chicago, IL – July 7–9, 2026 (Hyatt Regency Chicago)
- New Orleans, LA – August 4–6, 2026 (Hyatt Regency New Orleans)
- New York City, NY – August 18–20, 2026 (New York Hilton Midtown)
- Orlando, FL – September 1–3, 2026 (Caribe Royale Orlando)
- San Diego, CA – September 15–17, 2026 (Town & Country Resort)
Official site: irstaxforum.com
Step-by-Step: How to Complete IRS Form 13989?
The form has three main sections plus an “For IRS Use Only” area. Complete all fields legibly.
Section 1 – Taxpayer / Business Information
- Taxpayer or business name
- Street address, City, State, ZIP
- Tax period(s) (e.g., 2023, 12/31/2023)
- Tax form(s) (e.g., Form 1040, 941, 1120)
Section 2 – Authorized Representative (You)
- Your name, address, phone, and cell number (cell is recommended for follow-up)
- Indicate if POA copy is attached or “No POA on file; original attached”
- Enter your CAF number if applicable
Section 3 – Description of Problem/Issue
- Provide a clear, concise summary (attach all relevant documents: notices, transcripts, correspondence, returns, etc.)
- Answer: Are you currently working on this case with an IRS representative? (If yes, note which operation and city/office)
Critical Note on Power of Attorney
You must bring a physical signed copy of the current Form 2848 (even if it is already on file with the IRS). For joint returns, each spouse needs a separate POA. Only the listed practitioner is admitted.
How to Schedule Your Case Resolution Appointment?
Monday (pre-forum): Visit the Practitioner Case Resolution table in the general registration area (typically 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.).
Tuesday–Thursday: Go directly to the Case Resolution Program room (Forum Information Desk can direct you).
Bring:
- Completed Form 13989
- Physical Form 2848 POA
- All supporting documentation
- Two copies of everything recommended
The completed data sheet saves time and helps the IRS pre-assign your case.
Pro Tips for a Successful Case Resolution Appointment
- Choose your single strongest/most urgent case — quality over quantity.
- Prepare a one-page timeline or summary packet with indexed documents.
- Be specific in Section 3: What happened? What have you tried? What specific resolution do you need?
- If the case involves TAS-eligible issues, the IRS may refer it to the Taxpayer Advocate Service for faster follow-up.
- The program cannot resolve the practitioner’s own personal tax matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Form 13989 required to attend the Tax Forum?
No — only if you want a Case Resolution appointment. - Can I submit Form 13989 online?
No. You must bring the physical completed form to the forum (some locations may allow pre-submission via confirmation email links — check your registration materials). - Is there a fee?
The form and Case Resolution Program are free with forum registration. - Has the form changed recently?
No. The May 2012 revision is still the current version on IRS.gov.
Final Thoughts
IRS Form 13989 is a powerful, underutilized tool that gives tax professionals direct access to IRS decision-makers. By preparing a thorough data sheet and proper POA documentation, you can turn a frustrating client case into a resolved matter — often within days or weeks.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, download Form 13989 today, and get ready to resolve your toughest cases face-to-face with the IRS.
Official Sources:
- IRS Form 13989 PDF: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13989.pdf
- IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Information: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/irs-nationwide-tax-forum-information
- irstaxforum.com (event registration)
Stay prepared, stay compliant, and make the most of your 2026 Tax Forum experience!
Last updated: February 2026. Always verify the latest details on IRS.gov before attending.