Faxing the IRS
The IRS still takes several forms by fax. Each form has its own number, and some numbers depend on the state you live in. Start here.
Can you fax something to the IRS?
Yes, for some forms. The IRS lists a fax number in the official instructions of each form it accepts by fax, and that number is the only one to use. Faxing a form to the wrong IRS number usually means weeks of waiting before someone sends it back.
The forms people fax most often:
- Form SS-4, to get an EIN for a business. The EIN comes back by fax, usually within a few business days. Guide: how to fax Form SS-4.
- Form 2848, to give a tax professional power of attorney. Guide: how to fax Form 2848.
- Form 8821, to let someone see your tax information. Guide: how to fax Form 8821.
All the numbers, by form and by state, are in one table: IRS fax numbers by form. For other forms - the S corporation election, tax transcripts, identity theft and more - search the IRS fax number finder.
Before you fax the IRS
- Sign the form. Unsigned forms are sent back.
- Open the form's instructions on irs.gov on the day you send. The IRS says its fax numbers can change without notice.
- Add a cover sheet with your name, a phone number, the form number and the page count. You can make one in the browser with our free fax cover sheet maker.
- Keep the delivery record. A "delivered" fax with the date, time and page count is your proof that it reached the IRS line - see how to confirm a fax was received.
All IRS guides
IRS fax numbers by form (SS-4, 2848, 8821)
The official IRS fax numbers for Form SS-4, Form 2848 and Form 8821, by state, checked against irs.gov.
How to fax Form SS-4 to the IRS from your phone
The official SS-4 fax numbers, what to put on the cover sheet, and when your EIN comes back by fax.
How to fax Form 2848 (power of attorney) to the IRS
Where to fax IRS Form 2848, the signature and line 3 mistakes that get it sent back, and how to send it from your iPhone. Checked against the IRS instructions.
How to fax Form 8821 (tax information authorization) to the IRS
Where to fax IRS Form 8821, how it differs from Form 2848, the 120-day rule, and how to send it from your iPhone. Checked against the IRS instructions.
Fax to IRS not going through? What to check, step by step
Your fax to the IRS keeps failing or says busy? Check the number for your form and state, the signature, the format and the timing - with the official numbers.
How to confirm a fax was received
What a fax confirmation really proves, what "delivered" means, how to get proof you sent the right pages, and what to do when the office says they never got it.
What to put on a fax cover sheet (with a free template)
The six things every fax cover sheet needs, an example you can copy, and a free cover sheet maker that downloads a PDF.