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What to put on an IRS fax cover sheet
On its pages about faxing Forms 8886, 8918 and 8023, the IRS lists what to put on the cover sheet. Using the same list for other IRS faxes is our suggestion, not an IRS rule.
- A subject naming the form you're sending, such as "Form 2848".
- Your name, title, phone number and address.
- The taxpayer's name.
- The date.
- The number of pages, including the cover sheet.
Find the right fax number
We found no single IRS fax number. Each form's instructions give their own, and for most forms the number depends on where you live. Use the instructions for your form, and check them on the day you send, because the IRS says these numbers can change.
| Form | Where the fax number is | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| 2848, power of attorney | Instructions for Form 2848, Where To File chart | A faxed form needs a handwritten signature. |
| 8821, tax information authorization | Instructions for Form 8821, Where To File chart | A faxed form needs a handwritten signature. |
| 2553, S corporation election | Instructions for Form 2553, by service center | Keep the original with the company's records. |
| SS-4, apply for an EIN | Instructions for Form SS-4, Fax-TIN numbers | Put your own fax number on the form so the IRS can fax your EIN back, generally within 4 business days. |
If a letter from the IRS asked you to fax something, use the fax number in that letter, and put the notice or letter number in the subject line.
After you send, keep the delivery confirmation or report with your copy of the form.
Questions
Does the IRS have its own fax cover sheet?
We couldn't find a general IRS fax cover sheet on IRS.gov. For Forms 8886, 8918 and 8023, the IRS lists what to put on the cover sheet, and you can follow the same list for other forms.
Should I put my Social Security number on an IRS fax cover sheet?
No. On its pages about faxing Forms 8886, 8918 and 8023, the IRS says not to put sensitive information such as an SSN or EIN on the cover sheet. Your number goes on the form itself.
Where do I find the right IRS fax number?
In the instructions for the form you're sending. The number depends on the form and, for most forms, on where you live, and the IRS says the numbers can change.
Can I fax Form 2848 or Form 8821 to the IRS?
Yes. The instructions for both forms give fax numbers by location. A form you fax needs a handwritten signature.
To fax the IRS without a fax machine, use FaxFair on your iPhone. Scan the form and this cover sheet, or pick the PDFs, and type the fax number. The app has free cover pages built in too. Your first fax is free, up to 40 pages, and after that you pay per fax, with no subscription. You can also upload the PDFs at faxfair.com and fax them from there, for $2.49 up to 40 pages.
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