Can I receive a fax directly to my email address?

Not directly — the sender dials a virtual fax number, and the fax service converts the transmission into a PDF and delivers it to your email inbox. You need a virtual fax number from a service like mFax to make this work.

Is fax-to-email free?

Some services offer limited free tiers (FaxBurner, Fax.Plus free plan), but a dedicated receiving number with unlimited storage typically costs $8–$15/month. [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) offers pay-per-fax options with no monthly commitment.

What format do received faxes arrive in?

PDF is the universal default. A few services also offer TIFF. PDF opens on any device — phone, tablet, or desktop — without special software.

Is fax-to-email HIPAA compliant?

Only with a HIPAA-ready provider that includes a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Standard email delivery is NOT HIPAA compliant on its own. See our [HIPAA faxing guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for details.

Can I reply to a received fax from email?

Yes. Compose a new email, put the sender's fax number followed by your provider's domain in the To field (e.g., 15551234567@fax.plus), attach your document, and send. Do not hit Reply on the original email — it will go to the fax service, not the sender.

Fax to Email: How to Receive Faxes in Your Inbox (2026 Guide)

No fax machine? No problem. Fax-to-email lets you receive faxes as PDF attachments in Gmail, Outlook, or any inbox — using just a virtual fax number. Here's exactly how to set it up in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive a fax directly to my email address?: Not directly — the sender dials a virtual fax number, and the fax service converts the transmission into a PDF and delivers it to your email inbox. You need a virtual fax number from a service like mFax to make this work.
Is fax-to-email free?: Some services offer limited free tiers (FaxBurner, Fax.Plus free plan), but a dedicated receiving number with unlimited storage typically costs $8–$15/month. [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) offers pay-per-fax options with no monthly commitment.
What format do received faxes arrive in?: PDF is the universal default. A few services also offer TIFF. PDF opens on any device — phone, tablet, or desktop — without special software.
Is fax-to-email HIPAA compliant?: Only with a HIPAA-ready provider that includes a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Standard email delivery is NOT HIPAA compliant on its own. See our [HIPAA faxing guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for details.
Can I reply to a received fax from email?: Yes. Compose a new email, put the sender's fax number followed by your provider's domain in the To field (e.g., [email protected]), attach your document, and send. Do not hit Reply on the original email — it will go to the fax service, not the sender.