First: get the fax number from the IRS itself
The IRS uses different fax numbers for different forms, and for the same form depending on your state or whether you are in the US. Numbers also change. So take the number from one of these, never from a forum post or an old copy of a form:
- The letter or notice you are answering. If an IRS notice, letter or examiner gives you a fax number, use exactly that one. It routes to the unit handling your case.
- The current instructions for the form. Look for a section called "Where To File" or "Where to fax" in the instructions on irs.gov. Many forms list one fax number per region.
- The form's page on irs.gov. Some forms (Form 2848 and Form 8821, for example) have a page that lists fax numbers and other ways to submit.
Verify the number on the IRS form instructions or your notice every time. A fax sent to the wrong IRS unit is not forwarded quickly, if at all.
What people commonly fax to the IRS
- A reply to a notice or letter that lists a fax number, with the documents it asks for. This is the most common case.
- Form SS-4, the application for an employer identification number (EIN), when you are not applying online. The SS-4 instructions list the fax numbers. The IRS can fax the EIN back, but this service only sends faxes, so choose the online application for an instant EIN or have it mailed.
- Form 2848 (power of attorney) and Form 8821 (tax information authorization), sent to the CAF unit. The IRS also takes them through an online upload page, which the form instructions describe.
- Form 2553 (electing S corporation status), which the instructions allow by fax to the number for your state.
- Transcript requests on Form 4506-T, to the fax number listed for your state in its instructions.
- Form 911, asking the Taxpayer Advocate Service for help, to your local TAS office's fax number.
Tax returns themselves are usually not accepted by fax unless an IRS employee asks you to fax one. If you are not sure a form can be faxed, the instructions will say.
How to send it from your phone
- Sign the form first if it needs a signature. Check the instructions on whether the IRS accepts electronic signatures for that form; if not, sign on paper.
- Open the fax page on your phone and tap to take a photo of each page, in order. Lay the page flat in good light so the text is sharp. A PDF works too.
- Enter the IRS fax number you verified, including the area code.
- Turn on the cover page. Put your name, the form or notice number (for example "Reply to CP2000" or "Form SS-4") and a phone number where the IRS can reach you.
- Pay $3.99 for up to 25 pages and watch the status. When it says delivered, download the delivery confirmation.
Tips that save a second fax
- Write your name and the last four digits of your SSN or your EIN on every page, in case pages get separated.
- Include a copy of the notice you are answering as the first page after the cover.
- IRS fax lines are often busy at the start of the day. Busy lines are retried automatically here; if all attempts fail, you are refunded.
- Keep the delivery confirmation with your tax records. It shows the date, time, number and page count, which is your proof that you sent it on time.
- Do not fax the same thing twice unless the IRS asks; duplicates can slow things down.
Is it safe to fax tax documents?
Fax goes over phone lines, and the IRS still uses it every day. On this service your file goes to my server over an encrypted connection, is kept only to send the fax, and is deleted 7 days after it is sent. If you would rather not send a document by any third party, the IRS also takes many forms by mail, and some through its online upload tools.