Where to fax IRS Form 8821
Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, lets a person or company view your tax records and receive IRS notices — think a lender verifying income, or an accountant who monitors your transcripts. Here's exactly where to fax it.
Form 8821 fax numbers
Form 8821 goes to the same three CAF (Centralized Authorization File) units as Form 2848, routed by the taxpayer's address:
| Your address is in… | Fax number |
|---|---|
| Eastern states — 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 | 855-214-7519 (Memphis) |
| Western states — AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY | 855-214-7522 (Ogden) |
| Outside the U.S., a territory, or APO/FPO | 855-772-3156 (304-707-9785 from abroad) |
Watch the 120-day rule
If you're filing Form 8821 for a reason other than resolving a tax matter with the IRS — most commonly income verification for a mortgage or loan — the IRS must receive it within 120 days of the date you signed it. Sign it, then fax it promptly rather than letting it sit. (Authorizations for actual tax matters aren't subject to the 120-day limit.)
How to send it
- Complete and sign Form 8821 Only the taxpayer signs — the designee doesn't. List the specific tax forms, years, and the designee's CAF number if they have one.
- Scan or export it to PDF A phone scan works fine — on iPhone, Notes → camera icon → Scan Documents produces a clean PDF.
- Fax it to the number for your state You don't need a fax machine: upload the PDF at faxer.me, type in the CAF fax number, and pay $1 for the first page plus 25¢ per extra page — one payment, no subscription. Keep the delivery confirmation.
Form 8821 vs. Form 2848
They're often confused, and they go to the same fax numbers — but they do different jobs:
- Form 8821 only authorizes someone to receive and inspect your tax information. They can't argue your case or sign anything for you.
- Form 2848 is a power of attorney: the representative (who must be eligible to practice before the IRS) can advocate for you, respond to notices, and represent you in audits. See how to fax Form 2848.
Fax your Form 8821 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 fax number do I use for Form 8821?
The same CAF unit numbers as Form 2848, chosen by the taxpayer's address: 855-214-7519 for eastern states (Memphis), 855-214-7522 for western states (Ogden), and 855-772-3156 (or 304-707-9785 when faxing from outside the U.S.) for international, territory, and APO/FPO addresses. Confirm the current numbers in the Form 8821 instructions on irs.gov, since the IRS notes they can change without notice.
What is the difference between Form 8821 and Form 2848?
Form 8821 only lets the designee view your tax information and receive copies of IRS notices. Form 2848 is a power of attorney that lets an eligible representative actually represent you — respond to the IRS, argue your position, and handle audits. If a lender just needs to verify your tax records, 8821 is the right form.
Does Form 8821 really expire after 120 days?
The 120-day rule is about receipt, not expiration: when the authorization is for a purpose other than resolving a tax matter with the IRS (such as income verification for a loan), the IRS must receive the form within 120 days of your signature date. Authorizations connected to an actual tax matter have no such deadline, and once processed, an 8821 stays in effect until it expires by its terms or you revoke it.
Can I submit Form 8821 online instead of faxing?
Yes — the IRS 'Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online' tool accepts uploads, but the submitter needs a verified IRS online account. Faxing requires no account and remains the most common route: any online fax service can send your scanned form to the CAF unit in a couple of minutes.