Use these fax numbers only when the IRS specifically tells you to fax a particular form:
Quick Fix
Only fax to the IRS numbers listed in your IRS notice or on irs.gov (e.g., 844-249-6236 for Form 1139). Never send originals—mail duplicates via certified service instead.
What's happening with IRS fax submissions?
Since mid-2020, the IRS has accepted certain refund claims and requests by fax due to office closures and overwhelming mail volume.
Faxes generally get processed faster than paper mail, but you must use the exact number and format specified in your notice or on IRS.gov. (Don't skip the follow-up call—that's how you confirm receipt.)
How do I actually send a fax to the IRS?
Follow these five steps to send a fax to the IRS correctly.
- Confirm the correct fax number
Open your IRS notice or visit irs.gov/cp06. Look for wording like “Fax your response to …” or “Submit via fax to ….” Here are some numbers that were valid in 2026:
Form or Notice Fax Number (U.S.) Form 1139 (Corporate Refund) 844-249-6236 Form 1045 (Individual Refund) 844-249-6237 General document requests 855-215-1627 - Prepare your package Make a photocopy of the IRS notice or instruction sheet. (Never send originals—mail a duplicate via certified service if fax isn't explicitly requested.)
- Add a cover sheet
Include your name, EIN or SSN, phone number, return fax number, form number, and the date. Example:
To: IRS Fax Processing Form: 1139 SSN/EIN: 123-45-6789 Phone: (555) 123-4567 Return Fax: (555) 987-6543 Pages: 2
- Dial and send Use a landline or a scanner with fax capability. Press Start or Send. Keep the transmission report—you'll need it as proof.
- Verify receipt Call the number on your IRS notice within 3–5 business days. The IRS employee can confirm whether your faxed pages were logged into their system.
What if my fax to the IRS doesn't go through?
Try these alternatives if faxing fails or isn't an option.
- Mail a certified duplicate If your IRS notice allows both methods, send the same documents via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Hold onto the tracking number.
- Use the IRS Online Account As of 2026, taxpayers with an IRS Online Account can upload PDFs directly for certain notices—just head to irs.gov/account.
- Call the Practitioner Priority Line Tax pros can call 800-919-9835 and ask a specialist to check the fax queue for your EIN/SSN.
How can I avoid fax problems next time?
Follow these prevention tips to keep your fax submissions smooth.
- Always double-check the fax number in your current IRS notice or on irs.gov—numbers sometimes change when forms get updated.
- Save a PDF of every fax cover sheet and transmission report in your tax-filing folder for at least seven years.
- Moving? File Form 8822 (Change of Address) by mail—the IRS updates its master file but doesn't forward refund checks.
- Turn on IRS Online Account alerts so you get notified when a notice arrives and before it expires.
