I am reviewing some of the W-8s that we have on file and have found one in the name of "John Doe" that was signed by "Sam Smith." Sam wrote "POA" as the "Capacity in which acting." Is that OK?

Is it an account with your FI?

Yes.

Is your bank in posession of the POA papers?

You should have a copy of the POA in your possession and it must, at a minimum, empower the attorney-in-fact to deal with income tax matters on behalf of the principal.

We do have the POA and it does say the AIF has the power to "sign any tax information or reporting form required by federal, state, or local taxing authorities, including but not limited to any From W-9 or similar form." It's a new one for me, but it looks like we're ok. Thanks to you both for your help.