How to Fax IRS Forms Online

Which forms the IRS accepts by fax, and how to send them without a fax machine.

LowFax.com Blog  ·  July 2026  ·  Updated regularly

The IRS still accepts several forms and documents by fax — but not everything, and using the wrong fax number can send your paperwork to the wrong processing center entirely. Here's a plain guide to what you can fax, what you can't, and how to actually send it.

⚠️ You generally cannot fax an original tax return (Form 1040, 941, 1120, etc.). Those must be e-filed or mailed. Fax is used for specific supporting forms, authorizations, and documents the IRS specifically requests.

Forms the IRS Commonly Accepts by Fax

Form 2848 — Power of Attorney

Authorizes a representative (CPA, attorney, enrolled agent) to act on your behalf with the IRS.

Read the full guide →

Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization

Allows a third party to view your tax information without representing you.

Read the full guide →

Form SS-4 — EIN Application

Apply for an Employer Identification Number and receive it back by fax in days.

Read the full guide →

Form 2553 — S-Corp Election

Elect S-corporation status for your business — accepted by fax or mail only.

Read the full guide →

Form 4506-T — Transcript Request

Request a transcript of a previously filed tax return, often needed for loans.

Read the full guide →

Other Fax-Eligible Situations

Finding the Correct Fax Number

This is the part that trips people up: many IRS forms route to different fax numbers depending on your state or situation, and these numbers can change. Rather than relying on a number from an old blog post or forum comment, always check:

Once you have the correct number, you can enter it directly when sending your fax — no need to guess or search for it separately.

Tips for a Clean Submission

  1. Use a clean, high-resolution scan or PDF — blurry photos can make signatures and ID numbers unreadable
  2. Include a cover sheet noting the form name, tax year, and your contact information
  3. Double-check that forms requiring a signature (like 2848 and 8821) are signed and dated correctly — missing or improperly dated signatures are a top rejection reason
  4. Keep your delivery confirmation as your proof of submission, since the IRS does not send its own fax confirmation for most forms

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