IRS Form 3911 cannot be filed electronically — you must submit it by mail or in person at an IRS office

Form 3911, Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order, is a paper-only form. The IRS does not accept it through e-file systems, email, fax, or online portals. You must print the form, sign it, and mail it to the IRS office that handles your case, or deliver it in person to a local IRS office if you prefer immediate submission.

This form is used when you believe you are experiencing economic hardship due to an IRS action or inaction — for example, if the IRS has frozen your bank account, seized your wages, or delayed processing a refund you depend on. Because the form requests relief from a specific IRS decision, the agency requires a signed original document rather than an electronic version.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 3911 must be mailed or hand-delivered; electronic filing is not an option through any IRS channel.
  • You can obtain the form from IRS.gov, print it at home, and mail it to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by state.
  • Signing the form in pen and including your name, address, phone number, and tax identification number are required before submission.
  • The IRS typically responds within 24 hours if you deliver the form in person at an IRS office, or within several weeks if you mail it.

Where to Get the Form and How to Print It

Form 3911 is available on IRS.gov under the Forms and Publications section. Search for "Form 3911" directly, or navigate to the IRS Forms page and look for it by number. Download the PDF, print it on standard white paper, and use black or blue ink to complete it by hand.

Do not type the form on your computer and print it — the IRS requires handwritten entries on this particular form. If you do not have access to a printer, you can request a paper copy by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and asking for Form 3911 to be mailed to you. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

What Information You Must Include on the Form

Form 3911 requires your full name, current mailing address, phone number, and either your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. You must also describe the hardship you are experiencing and explain which IRS action or inaction caused it — for example, "IRS levied my bank account on [date] and I cannot pay my rent" or "My refund has not been processed for six months and I need it to pay medical bills."

Be specific about dates, amounts, and the IRS office or department involved if you know it. Attach copies of any supporting documents — bank statements showing the levy, correspondence from the IRS, proof of hardship such as medical bills or eviction notices. Do not send originals; send copies only. Sign and date the form in pen before mailing or delivering it.

Mailing the Form to the Correct IRS Address

The mailing address for Form 3911 depends on which state you live in. The form itself lists the correct address on the back or in the instructions. If you cannot locate it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and provide your state; they will give you the exact mailing address for your region.

Mail the form certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief statement of what you are submitting. Keep a copy for your records. Mailing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for the IRS to receive and log your submission.

Submitting the Form in Person at an IRS Office

If you want faster processing, you can walk into a local IRS office and hand-deliver Form 3911. Find the nearest office by visiting IRS.gov and using the Office Locator tool, or call 1-800-829-1040 to ask for the address and hours of operation in your area.

Bring the completed, signed form and any supporting documents in person. The IRS typically acknowledges receipt on the spot and can begin reviewing your case immediately. Response time for in-person submissions is often 24 hours to a few days, much faster than mailing. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once the IRS receives Form 3911, it is routed to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), a separate office within the IRS that handles hardship cases. TAS will review your claim and determine whether you meet the criteria for relief. This review can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of your case and the current workload.

You will receive written notice of the decision by mail. If TAS determines you are experiencing economic hardship, they may suspend collection action, release a levy, or take other steps to resolve the problem. If your request is denied, the letter will explain why and may suggest other options available to you.

Alternatives If You Cannot File Form 3911

If you are unable to print or mail the form, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service directly by phone at 1-877-777-4778. TAS staff can discuss your hardship situation over the phone and may be able to open a case without the form, though they will likely still ask you to submit Form 3911 eventually.

You can also request help from a tax professional, attorney, or certified public accountant (CPA) who can file the form on your behalf. They will need a power of attorney form (Form 2848) signed by you to represent you before the IRS. This does not change the filing method — the form still goes by mail or in person — but it removes the burden from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I email Form 3911 to the IRS?

No. The IRS does not accept Form 3911 by email, fax, or any electronic method. You must mail it or deliver it in person. Emailing it will not start your case and may result in it being lost.

What if I miss the deadline to file Form 3911?

There is no filing deadline for Form 3911. You can submit it at any time while you are experiencing hardship from an IRS action. However, the sooner you submit it, the sooner TAS can begin reviewing your case and potentially providing relief.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form 3911?

No. You can file the form yourself. However, if you are unsure how to describe your hardship or what documents to include, a tax attorney or CPA can help you prepare it. You do not need legal representation to submit the form or to work with TAS.

How long does it take to get a response after mailing Form 3911?

If you mail the form, expect a response within 2 to 4 weeks. If you hand-deliver it to an IRS office, TAS may contact you within 24 hours to a few days. Mailing time adds 1 to 3 weeks to the total process, so in-person delivery is faster if you need urgent relief.