By David Thompson · Published November 12, 2024 · Updated March 15, 2026 · 9 min read
Quick Answer: You can fax many IRS forms — including Form SS-4, Form 2848, Form 4506-T, and Form 2553 — using specific IRS fax numbers. Original tax returns (Form 1040) cannot be faxed. Below is a complete reference with every IRS fax number, which forms are fax-eligible, and a step-by-step guide to sending from your phone.
It's tax season, and the last thing you want is to mail something to the IRS and wait six weeks for confirmation. Faxing is faster — documents reach the IRS instantly — but only if you use the right fax number for the right form.
This guide is your 2026 reference for everything IRS fax: every number organized by form, what can and can't be faxed, and a step-by-step process to send from your phone without a fax machine.
IRS Fax Numbers Change
IRS fax numbers are updated periodically and vary by processing center. The numbers below are current as of early 2026, but always cross-check with the official form instructions on IRS.gov or the notice you received before sending.
IRS Fax Numbers by Form (2026)
Here is every publicly available IRS fax number, organized by form. Use the number that matches your specific form — do not use a generic IRS number.
Form SS-4 — EIN Application
Faxing Form SS-4 is the fastest way to get an Employer Identification Number. EINs are typically issued within 4 business days by fax.
| Filer Type | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|
| Domestic (within the U.S.) | 855-641-6935 |
| International (calling from within the U.S.) | 855-215-1627 |
| International (calling from outside the U.S.) | 304-707-9471 |
Form 2848 — Power of Attorney
Form 2848 authorizes a tax professional to represent you before the IRS. Send to the IRS Centralized Authorization File (CAF) unit.
| Case Type | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|
| Domestic cases | 855-772-3156 |
| International cases (CAF Team) | +1 (267) 466-1017 |
Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization
Similar to Form 2848, but for authorizing someone to receive (not represent) your IRS information.
| Case Type | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|
| All filers | 855-214-7522 |
Form 2553 — S Corporation Election
The fax number depends on which IRS service center handles your state.
| Region | States Covered | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 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 |
| Ogden, UT | 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 |
For a full walkthrough, see our guide to faxing Form 2553 for S Corp election.
Form 4506-T — Tax Transcript Request
Form 4506-T fax numbers are assigned by state. Locate your state below.
| IRS Center | States / Territories | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | FL, LA, MS, TX, foreign countries, U.S. territories | 855-587-9604 |
| Ogden, UT | AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY | 855-298-1145 |
| Kansas City, MO | CT, DE, DC, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI | 855-821-0094 |
Faster Alternative for Transcripts
You can get most tax transcripts instantly online at IRS.gov/GetTranscript or by calling 1-800-908-9946 — no fax or waiting required. Form 4506-T by fax takes up to 10 business days.
For a full walkthrough, see our Form 4506-T fax guide.
Other Common IRS Forms
| Form | Purpose | IRS Fax Number |
|---|---|---|
| 8832 | Entity Classification Election | 855-214-0292 |
| 8806 | Information Return for Acquisition of Control | 844-249-6232 |
| 7004 | Business Extension Request | 855-233-3091 |
| 3911 | Refund Inquiry / Missing Check | 855-253-3147 |
Form 8806 Is Fax-Only
The IRS no longer accepts Form 8806 by mail — fax is the only accepted submission method for this form. Use 844-249-6232.
Responding to IRS Notices (CP2000, Audit Letters)
If you received an IRS notice — a CP2000, CP3219A, or examination letter — use the fax number printed on the notice itself. These are assigned per department and are the only reliable numbers for your specific case.
No Universal IRS Fax Number for Notices
There is no single IRS fax number for all notice responses. The correct number is always on your specific notice. If your notice doesn't include one, call 800-829-1040 and ask for a direct fax number before sending anything.
What Can (and Can't) Be Faxed to the IRS
| Form / Document | Can You Fax? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1040 (original return) | ❌ No | E-file or mail only |
| Form 1040-X (amended return) | ⚠️ Conditional | Only if an IRS examiner provides a direct fax number |
| Form SS-4 (EIN) | ✅ Yes | Fastest method for EIN applications |
| Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) | ✅ Yes | Use the CAF unit fax number |
| Form 8821 (Tax Authorization) | ✅ Yes | Same process as Form 2848 |
| Form 2553 (S Corp Election) | ✅ Yes | Fax number depends on your state |
| Form 4506-T (Transcript Request) | ✅ Yes | Fax number depends on your state |
| Form 8832 (Entity Election) | ✅ Yes | |
| Form 8806 | ✅ Yes — Fax Only | Mailing no longer accepted by IRS |
| Form 7004 (Business Extension) | ✅ Yes | |
| Form 3911 (Refund Inquiry) | ✅ Yes | |
| CP2000 / Audit Response Docs | ✅ Yes | Use the fax number on the notice |
| Form 941 (Payroll Return) | ❌ No | E-file or mail only |
| Form 1120 (Corp Tax Return) | ❌ No | E-file or mail only |
| Form 4868 (Personal Extension) | ❌ No | E-file or mail only |
How to Fax to the IRS — Step by Step
Once you have the correct fax number, here's how to do it right the first time:
Verify the fax number
Confirm the IRS fax number for your specific form using the tables above, the official form instructions at IRS.gov, or the notice you received. Never use a number from an unverified source — IRS numbers change and vary by location.
Prepare your documents
Assemble every page in order: cover sheet first, then the signed form, then any supporting attachments. Make sure all text is dark, legible, and not cut off at the edges. Scan physical documents to PDF if possible — phone photos can distort and are sometimes rejected.
Create your IRS fax cover sheet
Your cover sheet is required for most submissions. Include: your full name as it appears on your tax return, the last 4 digits of your SSN or EIN (never the full number on the cover page), the form number, the tax year(s), your daytime phone number, the total page count including the cover sheet, and — if responding to a notice — the notice number.
Double-check before sending
Confirm the fax number one final time. Count your pages and verify the cover sheet page count matches. Check that your signature is present where required. Review the cover sheet for any sensitive information that shouldn't be there.
Send the fax
Transmit all pages in a single job — splitting a submission across multiple transmissions can cause processing errors. Send from a phone app, computer, or fax machine. See the section below for how to fax from your phone.
Save your confirmation immediately
Print or download your fax confirmation report right after sending. It should show the recipient number, date and time, and number of pages sent. This is your only proof the IRS received your documents — the IRS will not send you a confirmation.
What to Include on Your IRS Fax Cover Sheet
A complete cover sheet helps the IRS route your fax to the right department and prevents processing delays.
- ✓Full Legal Name — exactly as it appears on your tax return
- ✓Last 4 Digits of SSN Only — or full EIN for business filings. Never put your full SSN on the cover sheet.
- ✓Tax Year(s) — the year(s) the submission relates to
- ✓Form Number — e.g., "Form SS-4" or "Response to CP2000 Notice"
- ✓Daytime Phone Number — in case the IRS needs to follow up
- ✓Total Page Count — including the cover sheet (e.g., "Page 1 of 5")
- ✓IRS Notice Reference Number — if responding to a specific notice
- ✓Date of Fax
Never Write Your Full SSN on the Cover Sheet
IRS fax cover sheets are visible to anyone near the recipient fax machine — they sit on top of the tray. Only write the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number on the cover sheet. Your full SSN belongs only on the actual IRS form buried inside the transmission.
How Long Does the IRS Take to Process a Faxed Document?
Your fax reaches the IRS instantly. Processing is a separate step that takes longer.
| Form | Purpose | IRS Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| SS-4 | EIN Application | 4 business days |
| 2848 / 8821 | Power of Attorney / Tax Authorization | 3–5 business days |
| 2553 | S Corporation Election | 3–5 business days |
| 4506-T | Tax Transcript Request | Up to 10 business days |
| 8832 | Entity Classification Election | 7–10 business days |
| 7004 | Business Extension Request | 7–10 business days |
| 3911 | Refund Inquiry | Up to 30 days |
| CP2000 Response | Notice of Underreported Income | 8–12 weeks |
During tax season (January–April), expect processing times to run 50–100% longer due to volume. Faxing is still significantly faster than mailing — mailed documents spend 1–3 weeks in transit before the IRS even opens the envelope.
How to Fax the IRS from Your Phone
You don't need a fax machine, a landline, or a trip to the store. mFax lets you fax any IRS form directly from your iPhone or Android:
- Open mFax.to in your browser, or download the app
- Upload your document — select your PDF or use your phone camera to scan physical pages
- Enter the IRS fax number from the tables above or your notice
- Tap Send — mFax transmits the fax and sends you a delivery confirmation receipt automatically
Fax the IRS in Under 2 Minutes
Try mFax free at mFax.to — scan or upload your IRS form, enter the fax number, and get a confirmation receipt. No machine, no landline, no store visit required.
Common Mistakes When Faxing the IRS
Even experienced filers make these errors — avoid them:
- Using the wrong fax number — always verify. IRS numbers are form-specific and location-specific.
- Writing your full SSN on the cover sheet — use only the last 4 digits.
- Faxing an original Form 1040 — the IRS will not process it. E-file or mail your original return.
- Not saving the confirmation receipt — your transmission log is the only proof of delivery.
- Sending multiple transmissions for one case — always send your complete package in a single fax.
- Sending blurry or faint documents — light pencil marks and poor-quality scans cause processing delays.
- Missing the response deadline — IRS notices have firm deadlines; a late fax may trigger an automatic assessment.
Fax vs. Mail vs. IRS Document Upload Tool
The IRS now offers three submission methods. Here's when each makes sense:
| Method | Speed | Confirmation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fax | Instant delivery | Your transmission log | Time-sensitive forms, notice responses |
| 1–3 weeks in transit | Certified mail receipt | Original tax returns, forms without a fax number | |
| IRS Document Upload Tool | Instant | Automatic confirmation | Responding to specific notices that list the upload option |
The IRS Document Upload Tool is a newer alternative for notices — it provides automatic confirmation, which fax doesn't. Check your notice to see if the upload option is available. For forms that must be faxed (like Form SS-4 for a quick EIN), fax remains the right choice.
When to Call the IRS Instead
If your notice doesn't include a fax number, or you're unsure whether your document qualifies for fax submission, call first:
- General individual tax questions: 800-829-1040 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–7 PM local time)
- Business tax questions: 800-829-4933
- IRS Practitioner Priority Line (CPAs/agents): 866-860-4259
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (hardship cases): 877-777-4778
An IRS representative can confirm the correct fax number for your case and verify whether faxing is accepted for your specific document.
Related IRS Fax Guides
- IRS Fax Numbers: Complete List by Form (2026) — master reference for all IRS fax numbers
- How to Fax Form 1040 to the IRS — including 1040-X and audit response rules
- How to Fax IRS Form 4506-T (Transcript Request)
- How to Fax IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)
- How to Fax IRS Form 2553 (S Corp Election)
- How to Fax IRS Form SS-4 (EIN Application)
Send Your IRS Fax Now
If you have a form ready and a deadline coming, don't wait.
Find your IRS fax number in the tables above, prepare your cover sheet, and send from mFax.to — no fax machine, no long-distance charges, and a delivery confirmation the IRS can't argue with.