How to fax Form 2848 to the IRS
Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, lets your CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney deal with the IRS on your behalf. Fax is still the standard way to file it — but the number depends on where you live.
Which fax number to use
The IRS routes Form 2848 to one of three CAF (Centralized Authorization File) units based on the taxpayer's address:
| Your address is in… | CAF unit | Fax number |
|---|---|---|
| AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV | Memphis, TN | 855-214-7519 |
| AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY | Ogden, UT | 855-214-7522 |
| Outside the U.S., a U.S. territory, or an APO/FPO address | Philadelphia, PA (International) | 855-772-3156 (304-707-9785 from abroad) |
Faxing Form 2848, step by step
- Complete and sign the form The taxpayer signs and dates it, and the representative completes and signs Part II. For a jointly filed return, each spouse who wants representation files their own Form 2848 — one form doesn't cover both.
- Save it as a PDF If it was signed on paper, scan it (on iPhone: Notes → camera icon → Scan Documents). A digital copy of the signed form is what you'll transmit.
- Fax it to the CAF number for your state No fax machine? Upload the PDF at faxer.me, enter the fax number, and pay for just that fax — $1 for the first page and 25¢ per extra page, no subscription. A 2-page 2848 costs $1.25. Any online fax option reaches an IRS fax line the same as a physical machine.
- Keep the delivery confirmation Save proof that the fax went through. The IRS records the authorization on the CAF system in the order received — processing can take weeks during busy periods, and your representative can check status through the Practitioner Priority Service line.
Fax vs. the other filing methods
You have three options for filing Form 2848, all free on the IRS side:
- Fax — the traditional route most practitioners still use. Fast to send, and works with a wet-ink signature.
- Online upload — the IRS "Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online" tool lets tax professionals upload a scanned form, but the submitter needs an IRS online account with identity verification.
- Mail — the same CAF units accept mailed forms, but expect the slowest processing.
Fax your Form 2848 now
Upload the signed PDF, enter the CAF fax number, pay $1 for the first page. No sign-up.
Go to faxer.me →Frequently asked questions
What is the IRS fax number for Form 2848?
It depends on the taxpayer's address: 855-214-7519 for the eastern half of the U.S. (Memphis CAF unit), 855-214-7522 for the western half (Ogden CAF unit), and 855-772-3156 — or 304-707-9785 when dialing from outside the U.S. — for international addresses, U.S. territories, and APO/FPO addresses. The IRS notes these numbers can change without notice, so verify them in the current Form 2848 instructions at irs.gov before sending.
Can I fax Form 2848 without a fax machine?
Yes. Online fax services transmit a PDF to any fax number over the internet, and the IRS fax line receives it exactly as if it came from a physical machine. A one-time service like Faxer costs $1 for the first page plus 25¢ per additional page with no subscription, which suits a form you may only ever send once.
How long does the IRS take to process a faxed Form 2848?
Faxing delivers the form in minutes, but the IRS records authorizations on the CAF system in the order received, and processing can take several weeks during busy periods. If a matter is urgent and an IRS employee is already assigned to the case, fax the form directly to that employee instead — they can accept it for the immediate issue while the CAF copy processes.
Do both spouses need to file Form 2848 for a joint return?
Yes. Since the 2021 revision of the form, joint filers must each complete and sign a separate Form 2848 to authorize representation, even for the same representative and the same tax years.