The IRS does not accept faxes from individual taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service stopped accepting faxed documents from most taxpayers in 2010. If you are an individual filing taxes or responding to an IRS notice, faxing is not an option. The IRS will not process a fax you send to a general fax number, and sending documents that way will not create an official record of your submission.

The only taxpayers who can fax to the IRS are tax professionals, attorneys, and enrolled agents who have been granted fax privileges through a formal authorization process. If you are representing yourself, you will need to use a different method to send documents to the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual taxpayers cannot fax documents to the IRS; the agency stopped accepting faxes from the public in 2010.
  • Mail is the standard way to send tax documents, notices, or correspondence to the IRS, and you should use the address specific to your state and document type.
  • The IRS website lists separate mailing addresses for different types of submissions — tax returns, amended returns, payment plans, and responses to notices all go to different locations.
  • If you are working with a tax professional, they may be able to fax on your behalf if they hold the proper IRS authorization.
  • The IRS does not accept email, and online portals like the IRS website or your account on IRS.gov are the only digital submission methods available to individuals.

How to mail documents to the IRS instead

Mail is the primary way to send any document to the IRS. The address you use depends on what you are sending and which state you live in. The IRS publishes a complete list of mailing addresses on IRS.gov under "Where to File" — this list breaks down by document type (1040 tax return, amended return, payment, correspondence) and by state.

When you mail a document, include a cover letter that explains what you are sending and why. Write your name, address, and Social Security number or tax ID on the letter and on the document itself. Use certified mail with return receipt if the submission is time-sensitive or if you need proof that the IRS received it. The IRS does not may provide a specific processing time for mailed documents, but most reach the correct department within two to four weeks.

Do not mail documents to a local IRS office or to an IRS employee's personal address. Use only the official mailing address for your state and document type. Mailing to the wrong address delays processing and may result in your document being lost or returned to you.

When a tax professional can fax for you

If you hire a tax professional — a CPA, tax attorney, or enrolled agent — they may hold IRS fax privileges that allow them to send documents on your behalf. Not all tax professionals have this authorization; it must be requested and approved by the IRS separately. Ask your tax professional directly whether they can fax documents to the IRS.

If your tax professional does hold fax privileges, they will have a specific fax number they use and will know the correct procedures for your type of submission. They are responsible for ensuring the fax is received and for keeping records of the transmission. You should still keep a copy of any document you authorize them to fax.

Online options for submitting documents to the IRS

The IRS offers limited online submission options for individuals. If you have an IRS.gov account, you can upload certain documents directly through your account portal. This is available for some types of correspondence and supporting documents, but not for all submissions. Log into your IRS.gov account and look for the "Upload Documents" or "Correspondence" section to see what you can submit online.

You can also file your tax return electronically through IRS-approved software or through a tax professional. E-filing is faster than mailing and generates an immediate confirmation. However, e-filing is only for tax returns themselves, not for other types of correspondence or documents.

The IRS does not accept email submissions from individual taxpayers. Do not email tax documents, notices, or correspondence to any IRS email address. Email is not secure for tax information, and the IRS will not process documents sent this way.

What to do if you need to respond to an IRS notice

When the IRS sends you a notice about your taxes, the notice itself will include instructions for how to respond. Most notices tell you to mail your response to a specific address, which is different from the general tax return mailing address. Follow the address printed on the notice — do not send your response to a different IRS office.

The notice will also include a deadline for your response. Count the days carefully; if you miss the deadline, the IRS may take action without hearing from you. If you cannot meet the deadline, mail your response as soon as possible and include a letter explaining the delay. Keep a copy of everything you send and the mailing receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fax my tax return to the IRS?

No. Individual taxpayers cannot fax tax returns to the IRS. You must either mail your return using the correct address for your state, or file electronically through approved tax software or a tax professional. E-filing is faster and generates a confirmation receipt.

What if I need to send documents urgently?

Mail does not have a may provide delivery time to the IRS. If your submission is time-sensitive, use certified mail with return receipt to prove when you sent it. If you are responding to a notice with a deadline, mailing early is more important than mailing fast — the postmark date is what matters, not the delivery date.

Can I email documents to the IRS instead of mailing them?

No. The IRS does not accept email from individual taxpayers. Mail your documents to the official address for your state and document type, or use your IRS.gov account to upload documents if that option is available for your situation.

My tax professional said they can fax my documents. How do I know if they are authorized?

Ask your tax professional directly whether they hold IRS fax privileges. They should be able to tell you yes or no. If they say yes, ask them for the specific fax number they use and confirm they understand which documents you want them to send. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the documents, even if someone else faxes them.

Where do I find the correct mailing address for my state?

Go to IRS.gov and search for "Where to File." The IRS publishes a complete list organized by state and by document type. Make sure you use the address that matches both your state and what you are sending — the address for a 1040 return is different from the address for an amended return or a payment.