How to Fax the IRS Online (No Fax Machine Needed)
If the IRS has asked you to fax a form - an SS-4 for an EIN, a signed Form 2848, a response to a notice, or supporting documents - you do not need a physical fax machine or a monthly fax subscription to do it. You can send the fax from your phone or computer in a few minutes.
This guide covers the fastest way to do it, what you need before you send, and the most common IRS fax situations.
The fastest way: send the fax online (no machine, no subscription)
If you only need to send a fax once or occasionally, buying a fax machine or signing up for a monthly fax plan is overkill. A pay-per-use online fax service sends your document over the real fax network for a flat fee.
Full disclosure: we make Just The Fax. It is a send-only online fax service: $1.99 per fax, no subscription, no account to create. We built it for exactly this situation - the person who needs to send one fax to a government office and does not want to be locked into a plan.
Steps:
- Have your document ready as a PDF or photo (see "What you need" below).
- Go to justthefax.io.
- Enter the IRS fax number for your specific form or notice (see below - this is the part people get wrong).
- Upload your document and add a cover page if the instructions ask for one.
- Pay $1.99 and send. You will get a confirmation once the fax is delivered.
That's it - no machine, no phone line, no account.
What you need before you fax the IRS
- Your document, as a PDF or clear photo. If you only have paper, photograph each page in good light, or use a free scanning app. Every page should be straight, in focus, and readable.
- The correct IRS fax number. This is the single most important detail. IRS fax numbers are specific to the form, the notice, and sometimes your state - there is no one universal IRS fax number. Use the number printed on the IRS notice or letter you received, or the number listed in the official instructions for your form on irs.gov. Do not guess or reuse a number from an old letter - faxing sensitive tax documents to the wrong number is a real risk.
- Any cover sheet or reference number the IRS instructions ask you to include (for example, your EIN application reference or the notice number).
Common reasons people fax the IRS
- SS-4 / applying for an EIN by fax. Businesses without an online option fax a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS and receive the EIN back by return fax. Use the fax number in the current SS-4 instructions for your state.
- Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821. These are commonly faxed to the CAF unit; the correct number is in the form instructions.
- Responding to an IRS notice (CP2000, identity verification, etc.). The notice itself lists the fax number to use - always use that one.
- Sending requested supporting documents. Use the fax number the IRS agent or letter gave you.
In every case: the right fax number comes from your specific notice or the official instructions, not from a general web search.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fax the IRS online without a fax machine? Yes. An online fax service sends your document over the fax network from your phone or computer - no physical machine or phone line required.
Do I need to create an account or subscription to fax the IRS? No. With a pay-per-use service like Just The Fax you pay per fax ($1.99) with no account and no recurring subscription.
How much does it cost to fax the IRS? With Just The Fax it is $1.99 for the fax. Faxing is one flat fee regardless of the IRS - they do not charge to receive a fax.
Will I get confirmation that the IRS received my fax? You will get delivery confirmation that the fax was transmitted to the number you entered. The IRS does not send an automatic acknowledgement for most documents; for EIN-by-fax they fax the EIN back, which can take several business days.
What IRS fax number should I use? The one printed on your IRS notice/letter, or the one in the official instructions for your specific form on irs.gov. There is no single IRS fax number - it depends on the form and your state.
Can I fax the IRS from my phone? Yes - upload a PDF or a photo of your document from your phone and send.