A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else, known as an “agent,” the power to make legal or medical decisions on behalf of an individual, known as the “principal.”
A power of attorney form can be used to grant this authority in the event that the principal is unable to make their own decisions due to health or distance — for example, if they’re traveling, or become legally “incapacitated” (due to disability, illness, or injury).
There are several types of power of attorney available in Iowa (IA). Using the right one for your particular circumstance is important.
Iowa (IA) Power of Attorney Documents
Iowa Department of Revenue Power of Attorney
With an Iowa Department of Revenue power of attorney, you can give a named agent the power to file taxes on your behalf or otherwise manage your tax affairs. This can also be called the Iowa tax power of attorney form.
Download: Adobe PDF
Iowa Workforce Power of Attorney
Iowa Workforce Development requires the Workforce Power of Attorney document to allow businesses to release employment information on behalf of claimants who are filing for unemployment.
Download: Adobe PDF
How to Get Power of Attorney in Iowa
To set up a power of attorney, both the agent and principal fill out and sign a power of attorney form.
The rules about power of attorney documents in Iowa are covered under Powers of Attorney, Chapter 633B, and specifically §633B.105. For the power of attorney document to be legally valid, it must:
- be signed by the principal, if possible
- be signed in the principal’s presence and under the principal’s direction by another individual, but only if the principal cannot sign
- signed before and notarized by a notary public
The notary who acknowledges the document cannot also serve as the agent. After signing, the document is immediately effective, unless it is worded to be effective at a future date or in a future event.