How Do I Send a Fax to the IRS?

For tasks like sending important documents such as tax forms, knowing how to send a fax to IRS remains a valuable skill.

Each IRS department or office has its fax number. These numbers are used for submitting different forms, supporting documents, and other tax-related paperwork. 

This guide will take you through the process of sending a fax to the IRS. It ensures that your documents reach their destination securely and in compliance with IRS regulations.

How to Send a Fax to the IRS

Sending your Form 1040 via fax directly to the IRS isn’t an option. Instead, you have two ways to file your taxes: through mail or online.

For mailing, you can securely send your tax returns via registered mail to the IRS. Each state has its address for this purpose.

Online filing offers four options:

• IRS Free File or Fillable Forms: If your adjusted gross income is $72,000 or less.
• Free tax return preparation sites: These are available.
• Commercial software: You can use paid software for filing.
• Authorized e-file providers: Tax professionals can assist you here.

While you can’t fax directly to the IRS, you can send your 1040 to your accountant via fax, who can then file for you using the official methods.

Also, if the IRS requests additional documents, you may fax those to them.

What Tax Documents Can You Fax?

While sending your actual tax returns via fax to the IRS isn’t possible, there are several tax-related documents you can fax:

1. Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) 

This kind of document is essential if you are an employee or you have a company.

However, the Social Security number is most commonly used by individuals for tax purposes, whereas businesses need an EIN. You can use that form to fill out and apply for one.

2. Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization)

By filing Form 8821, you can give the IRS permission to release your private tax information to a chosen person or organization.

Besides, you can file Form 8821 to prevent any previous authorizations for tax information sharing.

3. Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative)

Form 2848 is required if you need someone to represent you before the IRS for power of attorney.

This form will let you name a power of attorney or appoint a tax representative who is your tax agent in tax matters.

What are the Other Reasons to Fax Your Tax Forms?

Although sending tax forms directly to the IRS via fax isn’t possible, faxing can be useful for other purposes.

As an example, if you’ve commissioned a remote tax professional who doesn’t meet in person or if meeting in person isn’t possible, faxing your documents to them can help the process go smoothly.

While your tax professional might handle filling out the main 1040 form, you can still fax over essential documents such as:

• W-2 or 1099 forms
• Your Social Security number
• Receipts for potential tax deductions (like donations or work-related expenses)
• Credit card and bank statements
• Financial statements for business owners

Using an online fax service can streamline this process, saving you time and ensuring you have a clear paper trail for your documents.

How Long for the IRS to Respond to a Fax?

If you submit the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS service center in your state through fax, you can expect a response within about one week if you provide your return fax number.

In the absence of a fax number, the time required to get a response will be around two weeks.

Nevertheless, if you decide to mail the application, be sure to send your Form SS-4 at least four to five weeks before the time you will need EIN for filing a return or making a deposit.

This will enable you to process the forms at your own pace and will also ensure you have all the documents handy when you are asked to produce them.

How Do I Send a Fax to the IRS Fax Numbers?

It is as easy as sending a fax to the IRS wherever you are using a traditional fax machine, a fax-capable printer, or an online fax service like eFax.

Utilize a fax machine or printer to send the IRS fax number, feed the documents in, and attach a cover sheet with key details.

Online fax services bring convenience to your doorstep, as you can send faxes from anywhere in the world, provided you have an internet connection.

Simply register and send your documents by fax to the IRS number. Aforehand check the fax number and document accuracy before the transmission.

What are the IRS Fax Numbers?

IRS fax numbers vary depending on the form and your location:

1. IRS Form SS-4

Here are the numbers:

• 855-641-6935: Use this number if you’re in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
• 855-215-1627: If you’re in the U.S. but lack a legal residence or business address, use this number.
• 304-707-9471: This number is for those outside the U.S. without a legal residence or business address in the States.

2. FIRS Form 8821

Here are the numbers:

• 855-214-7519: If you’re on the eastern side of the U.S., including eastern states.
• 855-214-7522: Use this number for the western side of the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
• 855-772-3156: For U.S. territories like the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.
• 304-707-9785: If you’re in a foreign country.

For IRS Form 2848, the fax numbers are the same as those for Form 8821.

Other Ways to Contact the IRS for Tax Help

If you need tax help, there are several ways to reach out to the IRS:

1. Connect Online: Get to the IRS website for the ultimate information. You will be able to download forms and documents without any hassles.

2. Visit a Local IRS Office: The IRS is running Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) in the country. You can visit these centers to clarify issues and get the necessary help.

3. Correspond by Mail: The IRS may prefer to communicate online but you can still send in your paper tax forms and pay by mail if need be.

Faxing documents to the IRS may seem to be a bit intimidating, but if you follow the right steps you can send your papers with confidence and be sure it gets to the IRS safely.

Before you press the send button, take a few seconds to look at the details and make sure that every information is correct.