IRS EIN Fax Number: How to Fax Form SS-4 for Your Employer Identification Number

Need an Employer Identification Number fast? While the IRS offers online applications, faxing Form SS-4 remains a reliable option when the online system isn’t available to you – particularly for international applicants or those without a valid SSN/ITIN. Through the IRS Fax-TIN program, you can receive your EIN by fax in approximately 4 business days. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding the correct IRS EIN fax number, preparing your Form SS-4, and faxing it successfully.

Download Form SS-4

When Should You Fax Your EIN Application?

The IRS offers four ways to apply for an EIN: online, by phone, by fax, or by mail. Each method serves different situations:

• Online – Fastest option (immediate EIN), but requires a valid SSN/ITIN and U.S. address
• Phone – Only available to international applicants (those outside the U.S.)
• Fax – Available to everyone, EIN returned in approximately 4 business days
• Mail – Slowest option, approximately 4-5 weeks processing time

Faxing your Form SS-4 makes sense when:

• You don’t have a valid SSN or ITIN for the online application
• The IRS online EIN application is experiencing technical issues
• You need a documented paper trail for your records
• You’re applying outside of online system hours and can’t wait

According to the IRS Form SS-4 instructions, the Fax-TIN program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – making it a reliable backup when other methods aren’t accessible.

IRS EIN Fax Numbers

Important: The fax number you use depends on where your principal place of business is located.

Important Fax Number Notes

• These numbers are specifically for Form SS-4 EIN applications only
• The IRS may change fax numbers without notice – verify at IRS.gov before sending
• Long-distance charges may apply for callers outside the local calling area

How to Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS

Step 1: Download and Complete Form SS-4

Download Form SS-4 here.

fss4Download

The form requires:

• Line 1: Legal name of entity (exactly as it appears on legal documents)
• Line 2: Trade name/DBA (if different from legal name)
• Lines 4a-5b: Mailing and street addresses
• Line 7a-7b: Responsible party name and SSN/ITIN/EIN
• Line 9a: Type of entity (corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, etc.)
• Line 10: Reason for applying
• Line 11: Date business started or acquired
• Line 12: Closing month of accounting year

Complete every applicable field. Enter “N/A” for lines that don’t apply – don’t leave them blank.

Step 2: Include Your Fax Number

This step is critical. You must provide your fax number on the form so the IRS can fax your EIN back to you. Without a return fax number, you won’t receive your EIN by fax.

If you’re using an online fax service like PayPerFax, you won’t have a dedicated fax number to receive the response. In this case, consider:

• Using the mail option instead (4-5 week processing)
• Using a temporary fax receiving service
• Calling 800-829-4933 after 4 business days to get your EIN verbally

Step 3: Sign the Form

Form SS-4 must be signed by:

• The individual (if sole proprietor)
• President, vice president, or principal officer (if corporation)
• A responsible member or officer (if partnership or other organization)
• The fiduciary (if trust or estate)

Step 4: Add a Cover Sheet

A professional fax cover sheet helps ensure your application reaches the right department. Include:

• Your name or business name
• “Form SS-4 – EIN Application” as the subject
• Your return fax number (prominently displayed)
• Total page count
• Your contact phone number

PayPerFax makes adding a cover sheet simple – just check the “Attach a cover page” option and fill in the details.

Step 5: Send Your Fax

Using PayPerFax or another online fax service, upload your completed Form SS-4 and cover sheet as a PDF, enter the appropriate IRS fax number, and send.

Double-check the fax number before sending:

• 855-641-6935 for domestic applicants
• 855-215-1627 for international applicants faxing from within the U.S.
• 304-707-9471 for international applicants faxing from outside the U.S.

What Happens After You Fax Form SS-4

Processing Timeline

Under the Fax-TIN program, the IRS will fax a cover sheet with your new EIN back to you within approximately 4 business days. The IRS no longer returns the actual Form SS-4 with the EIN noted on it – you’ll receive only a cover sheet containing your assigned number.

If You Don’t Receive Your EIN

If you haven’t received your EIN by fax after 4 business days:

1. Check that your fax machine or service is working properly
2. Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 to verify receipt and get your EIN
3. Do NOT submit another Form SS-4 – this could result in duplicate EINs

Important Restrictions

The IRS limits EIN issuances to one per responsible party, per day. This applies whether you apply online, by phone, fax, or mail. If you need multiple EINs for different entities, you’ll need to apply on separate days.

Also, don’t fax your application AND call the IRS for the same entity. This commonly results in duplicate EINs being assigned, which creates complications for your tax accounts.

Who Needs an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number is required for:

• Businesses with employees
• Corporations and partnerships
• Trusts and estates (in most cases)
• Nonprofit organizations
• Farmers’ cooperatives
• Plan administrators

You may also need an EIN for banking purposes, even if you don’t have employees. Many banks require an EIN to open a business checking account.

Sole proprietors without employees can often use their Social Security Number instead of an EIN, but many choose to obtain an EIN anyway to keep business and personal finances separate.

PayPerFax Benefits for IRS Faxing

• No charges for failed faxes – you only pay when your fax goes through successfully
• Secure transmission with SSL encryption for sensitive tax documents
• Instant confirmation reports documenting successful delivery
• No subscriptions required – pay only for what you send
• 24/7 availability – matches the IRS Fax-TIN program hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an EIN online instead of faxing?

Yes, if you have a valid SSN or ITIN and a U.S. address. The IRS online EIN application provides immediate results. However, faxing remains a reliable alternative when the online system is unavailable or doesn’t meet your needs.

Can I fax Form SS-4 on weekends?

Yes. The IRS Fax-TIN program operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, processing still occurs during business days, so weekend submissions will begin processing the following business day.

What if I make a mistake on Form SS-4?

If you realize you made an error after faxing, do not submit a corrected form. Instead, call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 to address the issue. Submitting multiple forms for the same entity can result in duplicate EINs.

Can international businesses fax for an EIN?

Yes. International applicants with no U.S. address can fax Form SS-4 to
(855) 215-1627 (from within the U.S.) or +1 (304) 707-9471 (from outside the U.S.). International applicants can also apply by phone at +1 (267) 941-1099.

How long does it take to get an EIN by fax?

Approximately 4 business days through the Fax-TIN program. By comparison, mail applications take 4-5 weeks.

What if I need my EIN immediately?

The online application is your only option for same-day EIN issuance. If you can’t use the online system and need an EIN urgently, faxing is faster than mail but still requires approximately 4 business days.

Do I need to fax any supporting documents with Form SS-4?

Generally, no. Form SS-4 is a standalone application. However, if you’re designating a third party to receive your EIN, ensure the Third Party Designee section is completed and the form is signed.

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