How to Fax Forms to the IRS

The IRS accepts many tax forms and documents by fax. Whether you're applying for an EIN, authorizing a representative, or submitting other paperwork, faxing your forms directly to the IRS is a fast and reliable option. Common forms that taxpayers fax include the SS-4 (EIN application), Form 8821 (tax information authorization), Form 2848 (power of attorney), and various other documents.

IRS Fax Numbers

The IRS uses different fax numbers depending on the form you're submitting and your location. The verified fax destinations for the two most commonly faxed forms — the SS-4 (EIN application) and the 2553 (S corporation election) — are:

For other faxable forms, such as Form 8821 or Form 2848, use the fax number shown in the form's Where To File Chart. The correct fax number is always the one listed in the instructions for each specific form on IRS.gov. Always check the form instructions before sending, as fax numbers can change — and if you're responding to an IRS notice, use the fax number printed on that notice and include the notice in the transmission.

The IRS routes faxes by form family and purpose, so a number that works for an EIN application is useless for a power of attorney, an identity theft affidavit, or a taxpayer advocate request. Form 14039 (identity theft affidavit) routes to the Identity Theft Operations destination in its current instructions or on the related IRS notice, and Form 911 uses the Taxpayer Advocate Service destination printed on the form or its TAS communication. For step-by-step instructions for the two most common filings, see how to fax Form SS-4 and get an EIN in about four business days and how to fax Form 2553, with the full Kansas City vs. Ogden state lists.

Which IRS Forms Can Be Faxed?

Not all IRS forms can be submitted by fax, but many common ones can. Check the instructions for your specific form to confirm. Commonly faxed forms include:

• Form SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization
• Form 2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
• Determination letter requests — Various applications for tax-exempt status and rulings

Not all forms can be faxed. Always check the form instructions on IRS.gov to confirm whether fax submission is accepted.

Form 1040 and other tax returns cannot be faxed. The IRS requires individual income tax returns to be e-filed or mailed. Fax submission is only available for forms whose instructions explicitly list a fax number, such as the SS-4, 8821, and 2848 above, or when responding to an IRS notice that provides a fax number.

How to Fax to the IRS Online

1. Find the correct IRS fax number — use the table above for Form SS-4 or Form 2553, or the form instructions on IRS.gov for any other form.
2. Complete and save your form as a PDF, or take a clear photo of the signed document.
3. Go to www.perpagefax.com.
4. Upload your completed form.
5. Add a cover page with your name, daytime phone number, and the form number — the free cover sheet builder makes one in seconds. Keep SSNs and EINs off the cover page.
6. Enter the IRS fax number.
7. Pay $0.50/page — most IRS forms are 1–2 pages, so your total is typically $0.50–$1.00.
8. Track delivery on the live status page and save the confirmation for your records.

How Long Does It Take?

The fax itself is delivered within minutes after you send it. You can track delivery in real time on the live status page and get confirmation once the IRS machine receives your document.

IRS processing times vary. A faxed Form SS-4 (EIN application) is typically processed within 4 business days. Other forms may take longer depending on IRS workload. Always check the form instructions for estimated processing times.

Tips for Faxing to the IRS

• Make sure your form is complete and signed before faxing.
• Use a clear, legible scan or photo — blurry documents may be rejected.
• Keep the delivery confirmation as proof of submission.
• Check the signature rule for your specific form — most faxed forms must be signed before they are sent, and some require an original handwritten signature.

Facsimile (scanned) signatures are only permitted for specific employment-tax form families — the Form 94X series, Form 1042, Form 8027, Form CT-1, and listed variants, under Revenue Procedure 2005-39. That permission is not a blanket rule for every faxed form: when the instructions say to sign before faxing, the signed form must be included in the same transmission. Don't mail a wet signature later and assume it cures an unsigned fax.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• IRS: Get an Employer Identification Number — Confirms SS-4 can be submitted by fax.
• IRS: About Form 2848 — Power of Attorney; accepted by fax to IRS.
• IRS: About Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization; accepted by fax to IRS.
• IRS: Forms, Instructions, and Publications — Always check current form instructions for the correct fax number before sending.