You Cannot Fax Your Tax Return — But Here Are 13 Forms You Can
The IRS does not accept 1040s, 1120s, 1065s, or other tax returns by fax. But certain elections, authorizations, and specialized forms must or can be filed by fax — with specific fax numbers.
Why You Cannot Fax a Tax Return
The IRS does not accept tax returns by fax. Forms 1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, 940, 941, and all other tax returns must be filed either electronically (through IRS-authorized software) or by mail to the appropriate processing center. If you send a tax return to an IRS fax number, it will be ignored or discarded without notice — the IRS does not process unsolicited faxed returns. File through the correct channel immediately if you've already tried this.
What the IRS Does Accept by Fax
While tax returns cannot be faxed, the IRS requires or accepts fax for specific forms: EIN & Business Formation • Form SS-4 — EIN Application (get your EIN in 4 business days) • Form 2553 — S-Corp Election (deadline-sensitive; fax provides proof of timely filing) Authorization & Representation • Form 2848 — Power of Attorney • Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization Compliance & Reporting • Form 5472 — Foreign-Owned LLC (cannot be e-filed; $25,000 penalty) • Form 8806 — Acquisition of Control (fax only since July 2022) • Form 8809 — Extension for Information Returns (1099s, W-2s) Transcripts & Records • Form 4506-T — Tax Transcript Request International • Form 8802 — US Residency Certification For fax numbers for all of the above, see the Complete IRS Fax Numbers Directory.
Forms Individuals Commonly Try to Fax (But Cannot)
These are the most frequently attempted IRS faxes that will not work: • Form 1040 (individual income tax return) — e-file or mail only • Form 1040-X (amended return) — mail to your IRS processing center • Form 4868 (extension of time to file) — e-file, IRS Direct Pay, or mail • Form W-4 (withholding certificate) — give to your employer, not the IRS • Form 1099s (information returns) — e-file via FIRE system or mail • Form 941 (quarterly payroll tax) — e-file or mail None of these have an IRS fax number. Any fax sent to a general IRS number for these forms will not be processed.
What If the IRS Is Asking You to Fax Something?
If you received an IRS notice requesting documentation, that notice will include a specific fax number for your response. You are not faxing a tax return — you are faxing a response, documentation, or supporting material to an audit or inquiry. In that case, fax the requested documents to the number on the letter. Include a cover sheet with your name, SSN/EIN, the notice number, and a brief explanation. Keep your FaxTerra delivery confirmation as proof of timely response.
How to E-File or Mail Your Tax Return
For individuals: IRS Free File (irs.gov/freefile) is free for incomes under $84,000. For small businesses: e-file through an IRS-authorized tax professional or software. Mailing addresses for returns vary by state and entity type — find yours at irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-tax-returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax my 1040 to the IRS?
No. Form 1040 cannot be filed by fax. It must be e-filed through IRS-authorized software or mailed to your IRS processing center. There is no IRS fax number that accepts 1040 returns.
Can I fax an amended tax return (Form 1040-X)?
No. Form 1040-X must be mailed to the IRS. As of 2021, it can also be e-filed through some tax software. There is no fax number for amended returns.
The IRS sent me a notice asking me to fax supporting documents. Is that different?
Yes. When the IRS sends a notice requesting documentation, the notice includes a specific fax number for your response. You are responding to an audit or inquiry, not filing a return. Use the fax number on the notice and include your SSN/EIN and notice number on the cover sheet.
What IRS forms can I fax?
The IRS accepts specific forms by fax: Form SS-4 (EIN application), Form 2553 (S-Corp election), Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), Form 8821 (Tax Info Authorization), Form 4506-T (transcript request), Form 5472 (foreign-owned LLC), Form 8802 (residency certification), Form 8809 (extension for info returns), and Form 8806 (acquisition of control). See the complete IRS fax numbers directory.
How do I e-file my tax return for free?
IRS Free File (irs.gov/freefile) is free for individuals with income under $84,000. For income above that threshold, use paid software or IRS Free Fillable Forms. Mailing is always free if you prefer paper.