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Tax season is upon us. Whether you feel prepared to file your taxes or are running behind, you probably want to file them the quickest and easiest way possible.
If mail seems too slow, you might wonder if faxing taxes is an option this year. Let’s answer that question for you, explore some in-depth details about faxing tax forms and go over IRS fax numbers.
Can You Fax Your Taxes to the IRS?
Let’s cut to the chase. Unfortunately, you can’t fax your tax forms to the IRS. There are only two ways to file taxes:
- e-filing
- mailing the documents
Faxing does not count as e-filing. If you’re wondering how to send documents to the IRS electronically, there are a few options, like tax prep software or an authorized e-file provider.
But again, faxing tax documents to the IRS is not allowed. You can, however, fax other documents to the IRS. If you’re under an audit, or an IRS agent has asked you to submit items missing from your tax return, then you can send them via online fax. This is where eFax comes in handy.
What Tax Documents Can You Fax?
While you can’t fax tax returns to the IRS, you can fax these tax-related documents:
- Form SS-4: The SS-4 form is an application for an employer identification number (EIN). Employees usually use their Social Security number when filing taxes, but if you have employees or operate a corporation, you’ll need to apply for an EIN with this form.
- Form 8821: This document allows the IRS to share confidential tax information with a person or organization of your choosing. You can also use this form to revoke any previous tax information authorizations.
- Form 2848: This form allows someone to represent you before the IRS. It lets you designate a power of attorney or declare a formal tax representative.
How To Send a Fax to the IRS
Wondering how to send a fax to the IRS? The good news is that it’s just like sending a fax to anyone else.
You can use a fax machine, a printer with faxing capabilities or an online fax service like eFax. The first two options require a telephone line connection and a physical device, while eFax lets you send a fax from anywhere.
Regardless of your chosen method, you still need the IRS’s fax numbers.
IRS Fax Numbers
The IRS has different fax numbers for each form and region.
If you need to fax form SS-4, here are the fax numbers:
- 855-641-6935: Anyone within the 50 states and the District of Columbia can use this fax number.
- 855-215-1627: If you don’t have a legal residence or a business address in the U.S. but are located within the States when faxing, use this number.
- 304-707-9471: If you don’t have a legal residence or a business address in the U.S. and are faxing from outside the States, use this number.
When filing forms 8821 or 2848, you can use these fax numbers:
- 855-214-7519: If you are on the eastern side of the country, use this fax number.
- 855-214-7522: This fax number works for those on the western side of the country (including Hawaii and Alaska).
- 855-772-3156: If you are within the U.S. but outside the 50 states (i.e., US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.), use this number.
- 304-707-9785: People in foreign countries can use this fax number.
Faxing Documents During an Audit
There is another reason to fax the IRS: audits. The IRS usually completes audits in person or by mail. If they complete your audit via mail, you can fax the following:
- Completed documentation requested by the IRS
- A formal request for more time to collect said documentation
The most recent fax number available online for audit documents is 901-395-1600, but the IRS might have a new number. Make sure to use the fax number provided on the audit notice.
How To Fax a 1040 Form to the IRS
Faxing your 1040 tax form to the IRS would make things much quicker than snail mail. But unfortunately, there’s no fax number for the IRS where you can send the 1040 form.
You can use the 1040 form to file an income tax return, which qualifies as actual tax documents. And again, you can’t fax tax returns to the IRS. The only options for filing a 1040 form are snail mail and electronic filers.
Other Reasons to Fax Your Tax Forms
While filing tax forms via fax is off the table, that doesn’t means you can’t fax those documents to other people.
Suppose you hire a tax professional to help you file your taxes this year. Perhaps they work remotely, or you don’t have time to meet in person to share all your tax documents. You can fax your documents to them to avoid any delays and help keep the professional on track.
That might not include faxing the actual 1040 form since the tax professional can fill that out for you. But you can still fax these documents:
- Any W-2 or 1099 forms you received
- Social Security number
- Any receipts that could help you get tax deductions (like for charitable donations or work-related purchases)
- Credit card and bank statements
- Any business financial statements for business owners
Online fax can save you time and provide you with a much-needed paper trail for your documents.
Make Faxing Your Taxes Easier With eFax
eFax makes faxing documents quicker, easier and safer. When you sign up with eFax, you can choose your dedicated fax number or port an existing one — no need for an actual telephone line. Then, you can use that number to fax via email, eFax’s mobile fax app, eFax messenger or your eFax MyPortal.
eFax offers a way to send faxes whether at your work computer, at home on your laptop or using your phone. The best part is that eFax keeps your data safe. It encrypts the documents while in transit, protecting them from hackers. So when faxing sensitive data — like tax information — you can trust eFax to keep your data safe.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for eFax and protect the security of your tax forms!
