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Letter of Authority
I need a letter of authority to authorize my accountant to handle my tax affairs with the Revenue Commissioners, including filing returns and accessing my tax records. The document should specify the duration of the authority and include my personal details and signature for validation.
What is a Letter of Authority?
A Letter of Authority lets you formally authorize someone else to act on your behalf in Ireland. It's commonly used when you need a representative to handle specific tasks - from managing your accounts to dealing with government agencies like Revenue or accessing your medical records.
You'll need to clearly state what powers you're granting, specify both parties' details, and sign the document. While simpler than a Power of Attorney, it still carries legal weight under Irish law. Many Irish businesses and organizations require these letters before they'll discuss your affairs with your chosen representative, especially for financial or healthcare matters.
When should you use a Letter of Authority?
Use a Letter of Authority when you need someone to handle specific matters on your behalf in Ireland but don't require the extensive powers of a Power of Attorney. Common situations include authorizing a family member to discuss your tax affairs with Revenue, letting an accountant manage your business dealings, or enabling a trusted friend to access your medical information while you're abroad.
The letter proves especially valuable during temporary absences, busy periods, or when dealing with multiple Irish institutions simultaneously. It gives your representative clear, limited authority to act - perfect for time-sensitive tasks or ongoing administrative needs where you remain the primary decision-maker but need help managing day-to-day matters.
What are the different types of Letter of Authority?
- Authorisation Letter To Act On Behalf: General-purpose template for broad representation in business or personal matters
- Authorisation Letter For Collecting Documents: Specific authority to retrieve official papers or records
- Authorization Letter Cheque: Allows someone to handle cheque-related transactions on your behalf
- Authorisation Letter For Proof Of Address: Confirms residence status for official purposes
- Authority Letter For Bank Account Opening: Delegates power to open or manage bank accounts
Who should typically use a Letter of Authority?
- Account Holders: Issue Letters of Authority to delegate management of their financial, tax, or administrative affairs to trusted representatives
- Family Members: Often act as authorized representatives, especially for elderly relatives or those living abroad
- Professional Representatives: Accountants, solicitors, and tax advisors who need formal authority to act for their clients
- Banks and Financial Institutions: Accept and validate these letters before allowing third-party account access
- Government Agencies: Revenue, social welfare offices, and local authorities who require formal authorization before dealing with representatives
- Healthcare Providers: Rely on these letters to share medical information with designated family members or carers
How do you write a Letter of Authority?
- Personal Details: Gather full names, addresses, and contact information for both you and your representative
- Scope Definition: List specific powers or tasks you're authorizing, including relevant account numbers or reference details
- Time Period: Decide if the authority is ongoing or has specific start and end dates
- Required ID: Prepare copies of valid photo ID for both parties
- Witness Details: Arrange for an independent witness, if needed for your specific authorization type
- Institution Requirements: Check what format or additional details your bank, agency, or organization needs
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally sound Letter of Authority that includes all required elements
What should be included in a Letter of Authority?
- Clear Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and contact details of both the authorizer and authorized person
- Purpose Statement: Specific powers being granted and their precise scope or limitations
- Duration Clause: Clear start date and expiry date (if applicable) of the authorization
- Authority Details: Exact accounts, matters, or transactions covered by the authorization
- Data Protection: GDPR-compliant clause outlining how personal information will be handled
- Signature Block: Space for dated signatures of both parties and witness (if required)
- Revocation Terms: Conditions under which the authority can be withdrawn or terminated
- Legal Declaration: Statement confirming the document was signed willingly and with full understanding
What's the difference between a Letter of Authority and a Certificate of Authority?
A Letter of Authority is often confused with a Certificate of Authority, but they serve distinctly different purposes in Irish law. While both relate to authorization, their scope, formality, and typical uses vary significantly.
- Legal Weight: Letters of Authority are typically informal documents for specific, limited tasks, while Certificates of Authority are formal legal instruments often issued by government bodies or regulatory authorities
- Duration: Letters usually cover temporary or specific actions, while Certificates generally provide ongoing authorization for business operations
- Purpose: Letters delegate personal or business tasks to a representative, while Certificates prove an entity's legal right to conduct business in Ireland
- Requirements: Letters need basic identification and signatures, while Certificates often require extensive documentation, regulatory compliance, and official verification
- Revocation: Letters can be easily cancelled by the grantor, while Certificates require formal procedures for modification or cancellation
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