How to Fax Form 2553 (S-Corp Election) to the IRS

Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, is how a business tells the IRS it wants to be taxed as an S-corporation. It's one of the most common forms new business owners need to submit — and unlike most modern paperwork, there's no online filing option. The IRS accepts Form 2553 by fax or mail only, which makes fax the fastest route.

💡 There is no e-file option for Form 2553 — fax and mail are the only submission methods the IRS accepts, and fax gets it there the same day.

Watch the Deadline

Timing matters more for this form than almost any other. In general, Form 2553 must be filed no more than 2 months and 15 days after the beginning of the tax year when you want the election to take effect (for a new business using the calendar year, that's typically March 15), or at any time during the tax year before it takes effect. The IRS does offer late-election relief in some situations, but the details are specific — check the official instructions, or ask your accountant, if you've missed the window.

Before You Fax

Every shareholder must sign. The election requires the consent and signature of all shareholders, not just an officer — a missing shareholder signature is a common rejection reason
Make sure the effective date on the form matches what you intend — this determines which tax year the S-corp treatment starts
Double-check your EIN is on the form; if you're still waiting on an EIN, follow the form instructions for what to enter

⚠️ Form 2553 routes to one of two IRS service centers depending on the state where your business is located, and fax numbers can change. Always confirm the current number for your state on the official Form 2553 instructions at irs.gov before sending.

How to Send It Online

Download and complete Form 2553 from irs.gov, with all required shareholder signatures
Confirm the correct fax number for your state from the current official instructions
Scan or save your completed, signed form as a clean PDF
Upload it right here on LowFax using the Send a Fax button below, enter the verified fax number, and send
Keep your delivery confirmation — it's your proof of a timely filing, which matters if the deadline is close

What Happens Next

If the election is accepted, the IRS typically mails a confirmation notice (CP261) within about 60 days. If you haven't heard back after that, you can contact the IRS to check the status. Hold on to both your fax delivery confirmation and the IRS acceptance letter — banks and accountants may ask for them later.

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