How to Fax to the IRS
Tax season brings paperwork, and paperwork often means faxing. The IRS still relies heavily on fax for receiving forms, supporting documents, and responses to notices -- and in many cases, faxing is the fastest way to get your documents processed.
But here's the catch: the IRS doesn't have a single fax number. The number you need depends on the form you're submitting and, in some cases, the state you're filing from. Using the wrong number means delays, lost documents, or both.
This guide covers which documents the IRS accepts by fax, the correct fax numbers for the most common forms, and how to send everything from your computer or phone -- no fax machine required.
What You Can (and Can't) Fax to the IRS
Before looking up fax numbers, there's an important distinction to understand.
You cannot fax tax returns to the IRS. Form 1040 (your individual income tax return) and Form 1040-X (amended returns) must be filed electronically through e-file or mailed to the appropriate IRS processing center. There is no fax option for these forms.
What you can fax covers a wide range of other documents:
- Form SS-4 -- Application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Form 2553 -- S-Corporation election
- Form 2848 -- Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
- Form 8821 -- Tax Information Authorization
- Form 4506-T -- Request for Transcript of Tax Return
- Form 8806 -- Information Return for Acquisition of Control (fax is the only accepted submission method)
- Form 8962 -- Premium Tax Credit
- Supporting documents for IRS notices, audits, and correspondence
- Identity verification documents when responding to letters like 5071C or 6331C
If you've received a notice or letter from the IRS that includes a fax number, you can fax your response and any supporting documents directly to that number.
IRS Fax Numbers by Form
Every form has its own fax number, and many forms have different numbers depending on your state. The table below covers the most commonly faxed IRS forms.
Always verify the current fax number on the official form instructions at IRS.gov before sending. IRS fax numbers can change without notice.
Form SS-4 (EIN Application)
| Location | Fax Number |
|---|---|
| All 50 states and D.C. | 855-641-6935 |
| Outside the U.S. (no legal residence in any state) | 304-707-9471 |
Processing time: approximately 4 business days by fax, compared to 4 weeks by mail. Include a return fax number so the IRS can send your EIN back to you.
Form 2553 (S-Corporation Election)
| States | Fax Number |
|---|---|
| CT, DE, DC, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI | 855-887-7734 |
| AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY | 855-214-7520 |
This form must be filed within 2 months and 15 days of the start of the tax year for the election to take effect that year.
Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) and Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization)
| States | Fax Number |
|---|---|
| AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV | 855-214-7519 |
| AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY | 855-214-7522 |
| International (CAF Team, from within U.S.) | 855-772-3156 |
| International (CAF Team, from outside U.S.) | 267-466-1017 |
Note: Forms 2848 and 8821 submitted by fax require a wet ink (handwritten) signature. Digital or electronic signatures are not accepted for faxed submissions.
Other Common Forms
| Form | Purpose | Fax Number |
|---|---|---|
| 8806 | Acquisition of Control (fax only) | 844-249-6232 |
| 8886 | Reportable Transaction Disclosure | 844-253-2553 |
| 8023 | Section 338 Elections | 844-253-9765 |
| 8962 | Premium Tax Credit | 855-204-5020 |
| 8918 | Material Advisor Disclosure | 844-253-5607 |
| 637 | Registration for Excise Tax Activities | 855-887-7735 |
Responding to an IRS Notice
If you received a CP letter, audit notice, or any other IRS correspondence, the fax number you need is printed on the notice itself -- usually in the top-right corner. Use that number, not a general form number.
If you've misplaced the notice or can't find the fax number, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to confirm the correct number before sending.
How to Prepare Your Fax
Getting the fax number right is only half the job. Proper formatting ensures your documents are processed without delays.
Include a cover sheet. Your cover sheet should contain:
- Your full name
- Last 4 digits of your SSN or TIN (never include the full number on a cover sheet)
- The notice or letter number you're responding to (if applicable)
- The form name and number
- Tax year
- Your phone number
- Total page count (including the cover sheet)
Prepare your documents as a clean PDF. Avoid sending photos of documents when possible -- they often come through blurry or cropped on the IRS's end. If you only have paper copies, scan them at 200 DPI or higher. On an iPhone, you can scan documents directly from the Notes app; on Android, Google Drive has a built-in scanner. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to fax from your phone.
Number your pages. If you're sending a multi-page packet, numbering each page (e.g., 1/8, 2/8) helps the IRS confirm they received everything.
Put the most important document first. Place the notice or letter you're responding to right after the cover sheet, followed by your response and supporting documents.
When to Send Your Fax
Timing matters. IRS fax lines handle enormous volume during tax season (January through April) and can be busy, especially during peak hours.
For the best chance of getting through on the first attempt:
- Send early in the morning (before 10 AM Eastern) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM Eastern)
- Avoid Mondays and the days immediately following a holiday -- these tend to be the busiest
- Don't wait until a deadline day. If a notice gives you 30 days to respond, send your fax at least a few days early
If you're using JustFax Online, busy signals are handled automatically. JustFax Online retries failed faxes, and you're only charged if delivery succeeds. That means you can send your fax and move on without babysitting the process.
Sending Your IRS Fax Online
You don't need a fax machine to fax the IRS. An online fax service lets you send documents from any device with a browser.
Here's how it works with JustFax:
- Go to justfaxonline.com and upload your document (PDF, PNG, JPEG, or TIFF -- up to 20 MB)
- Enter the IRS fax number for your specific form and location
- Pay and send -- flat rate for the first 4 pages, with additional pages priced separately
The entire process takes under 2 minutes. No account, no subscription, no app to install. You'll receive confirmation when your fax is delivered, which serves as your proof of transmission.
For a more detailed walkthrough of online faxing, see our complete guide to sending a fax online.
Keep Your Confirmation
After sending, save your fax delivery confirmation. This is your proof that the documents were transmitted and when. The IRS typically does not send its own receipt for faxed documents, so your transmission confirmation is the only record you'll have.
If you don't hear back from the IRS within a reasonable timeframe -- which varies depending on the form and time of year -- call 800-829-1040 with your EIN or SSN, the date you sent the fax, and the number you faxed to. They can check whether your documents were received and are being processed.
Quick Reference
- Can I fax my tax return (Form 1040)? No. Tax returns must be e-filed or mailed.
- Can I fax an amended return (Form 1040-X)? No. Amended returns must be e-filed or mailed.
- Can I fax supporting documents for an IRS notice? Yes. Use the fax number printed on your notice.
- Can I fax Form SS-4 for an EIN? Yes. Processing takes about 4 business days by fax.
- Can I fax Form 2553 for S-Corp election? Yes. Fax number depends on your state.
- Do I need a fax machine? No. You can send a fax online from any device.
IRS fax numbers change periodically. Always double-check the number on your specific form instructions or IRS notice before sending. When in doubt, call 800-829-1040 to confirm.