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How to Fax IRS Forms: 2848, 8821, SS-4, 4506-T and 8802

Several IRS forms can be faxed, but each has its own rules. Here's where to find the right fax number, which signature the IRS expects and when an online option is better.

Published: 2026-10-19

The IRS accepts some forms by fax, including Forms 2848 and 8821 (authorizations), SS-4 (EIN application), 4506-T (transcript request) and, in some cases, 8802. The fax number is not the same for everyone: it usually depends on the state you live in or where your business is located, and it is listed in the form or its instructions. With AnytimeFax you can send the signed form from your phone or computer without a fax machine, account or subscription. This guide explains the rules for each form and when the IRS offers a faster online route.

Faxed forms need a handwritten signature

For Forms 2848 and 8821, the IRS says it does not accept electronic signatures for forms sent by fax or mail. Sign in ink, then scan. Electronic signatures are accepted only through the IRS online submission tool.

Form SS-4: the EIN is faxed back to you

When you apply for an EIN by fax, the IRS faxes the number back to the fax number you include on the form. AnytimeFax sends faxes only, so you need a fax number where you can receive that reply.

What you need

  • The current version of the form, completed and signed in ink, scanned to PDF.
  • The correct IRS fax number from the form's instructions (for Form 2848, the Where To File Chart) for your state or location.
  • The file as a PDF, DOC or DOCX — up to 10 MB in total and 20 pages per order on AnytimeFax (larger jobs can be quoted).
  • An email address to receive a one-time verification code.
  • For Form SS-4: a fax number where you can receive the IRS reply.

Step-by-step

  1. Check whether an online option fits better

    The IRS offers online routes for several of these tasks: an online tool for Forms 2848 and 8821, online EIN applications, online transcripts and the Document Upload Tool for eligible notices. If one fits, it may be simpler than faxing.

  2. Find the right fax number

    Open the form's official instructions and find the fax number for your state or location. For Form 2848, the numbers are in the Where To File Chart, and the IRS notes they may change without notice. Don't reuse a number from an old form or a third-party website.

  3. Sign in ink and scan

    Print the form, sign it by hand and scan every page to PDF. Make sure the signature, dates and identification numbers are legible.

  4. Follow the form's specific rules

    Form 8802 can be faxed only if you paid the user fee electronically, with up to 10 forms and 100 pages per transmission and a cover sheet stating the page count. For Form SS-4, include your own fax number so the IRS can fax the EIN back.

  5. Upload and send

    Upload the PDF to AnytimeFax, enter the IRS fax number, verify your email with a one-time code and pay. Your first one-page fax is free (once per email address). After that: $4.99 for 2–4 pages, $5.99 for 5–10 pages and $7.99 for 11–20 pages. If you already used the free fax, a single page costs $4.99 (Standard) or $20 (Urgent).

  6. Keep your records

    Save your order ID (it starts with AF-), the invoice from the Track Order page and a copy of the signed form.

Tips

  • Send each form only once. For Forms 2848 and 8821, the IRS asks you not to submit the same form online if you already faxed or mailed it.
  • If your matter is urgent and an IRS employee is already handling it, the IRS says you can fax a wet-signed Form 2848 or 8821 directly to that employee.
  • Form SS-4 applicants generally receive the EIN by fax within 4 business days, according to the IRS.
  • If your principal place of business is outside the United States, the IRS says to apply for an EIN by phone, fax or mail rather than online.

Common mistakes

  • Faxing a form signed with an electronic signature when the IRS requires a handwritten one.
  • Using a fax number for the wrong state or an outdated number.
  • Faxing Form SS-4 without a fax number where you can receive the EIN.
  • Faxing Form 8802 when the user fee was not paid electronically.
  • Sending the same Form 2848 or 8821 by fax and online.

Delivery expectations

Standard, Extended and Large orders are delivered within 24 hours, and the free one-page option can take up to 3 days. Urgent orders ($20, up to 20 pages) are processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation. A successful delivery confirms that the fax was transmitted to the recipient's fax number; it does not confirm that someone has reviewed or accepted your document. IRS processing times are set by the IRS, not by AnytimeFax.

Alternatives

  • The IRS online tool for Forms 2848 and 8821 (PDF, JPG or GIF up to 15 MB, one form at a time; electronic signatures accepted there).
  • Applying for an EIN online, which the IRS lists as the main route for applicants in the United States.
  • Getting transcripts online, by mail or by phone instead of sending Form 4506-T.
  • The IRS Document Upload Tool to respond to eligible notices online.
  • Mailing the form to the address in its instructions.
Fax Your IRS Form

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The IRS accepts Form 2848 online, by fax or by mail. The fax number depends on your state and is listed in the Where To File Chart in the form's instructions. A faxed form must have a handwritten signature.

Not for Forms 2848 and 8821. The IRS says it does not accept electronic signatures on forms sent by fax or mail; e-signatures are accepted only through its online tool.

No. The IRS faxes the EIN to the number you include on Form SS-4, and AnytimeFax currently sends faxes only. Use a fax number where you can receive, or apply online if you're eligible.

Yes. The form says to mail or fax it to the address or number listed for the state you lived in. Individuals can also get transcripts online, by mail or by phone.

For Form 8802, the IRS allows up to 10 forms and 100 pages per transmission. AnytimeFax orders go up to 20 pages; larger jobs can be quoted.

AnytimeFax confirms that the fax was transmitted to the number you entered. It can't confirm that the IRS has reviewed or processed your form.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-10-18

AnytimeFax is an independent service operated by Rise & Built Corp. It is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Third-party requirements were checked on the date shown above; always confirm current requirements with the recipient. This page is general information, not tax advice.