- Power of Attorney
IRS Form 2848 Fax Number, Power of Attorney
Fax the signed form to the CAF unit for the taxpayer’s state: Memphis 855-214-7519 or Ogden 855-214-7522 (the split does not follow the Mississippi River exactly; see the state table below). International: 855-772-3156. Send for $2.75 flat, no subscription.
Form
2848
CAF Processing
See IRS status page
Pages
Up to 45
Cost
$2.75 flat
Before you fax Form 2848: three checks
The right CAF unit for the taxpayer’s state
Form 2848 goes to Memphis, Ogden, or the international unit depending on the taxpayer’s address, and the split is not exactly the Mississippi River: the shorthand is east to Memphis and west to Ogden, but Louisiana and Arkansas go to Memphis and Wisconsin goes to Ogden. Use the full state table below.
A handwritten signature
A Form 2848 submitted by fax must carry a handwritten signature. A typed or electronic signature is only accepted through Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online or Tax Pro Account. Sign the form by hand. See the IRS instructions on signatures before sending by fax.
Both signatures and the CAF number
Both the taxpayer and the representative must sign. The representative lists their CAF number (or "None" if not yet assigned), PTIN if applicable, and designation. If the line 4 box is checked (specific use, not recorded on the CAF), the form goes to the IRS office handling that matter instead of a CAF unit.
What is IRS Form 2848?
Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, lets you authorize a qualified person, usually a CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent, to represent you before the IRS. Once filed and processed by the Centralized Authorization File (CAF) unit, your representative can receive your confidential tax information and act on your behalf for the specific tax matters listed.
Who can be a representative
Attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, enrolled actuaries, family members, and full-time employees.
What it authorizes
Specific tax matters and tax periods you list. It does not authorize signing returns by default.
Representative details
CAF number (or "None" if not yet assigned), PTIN if applicable, and designation letter.
Revocation
A new Form 2848 generally revokes prior authorizations for the same matters and periods unless you check the box on line 6 and attach a copy of the authorization you want to keep.
IRS CAF Fax Numbers for Form 2848
The IRS routes Form 2848 to one of three CAF units. Pick the number that matches the taxpayer's address.
Memphis CAF
855-214-7519
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
Ogden CAF
855-214-7522
AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
International
855-772-3156
304-707-9785
APO and FPO addresses, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and foreign countries. The IRS lists 304-707-9785 for faxing from outside the United States and also publishes 855-772-3156. FaxItOnce sends from US numbers, so either line can be dialed.
Verify current fax numbers on IRS.gov before sending. Form instructions occasionally change destinations. Our IRS fax number directory shows the source page and the date each number was checked.
How to fax Form 2848 in four steps
Complete and sign
Download Form 2848 from IRS.gov. Fill out taxpayer info, representative details, and tax matters. Both parties sign by hand.
Identify CAF unit
Memphis CAF for eastern and southern states, Ogden CAF for western and plains states, the international unit for territories and foreign addresses. Use the state table above.
Upload to FaxItOnce
Create a free account or sign in at faxitonce.com. Upload the signed PDF. Enter the destination fax number.
Pay & send
Pay. Your fax goes out and you receive an email delivery receipt when the carrier confirms.
How long does CAF take to process Form 2848?
The IRS posts current CAF processing times on its processing-status page, and they can change. Until the CAF records the form, IRS staff may ask your representative to bring a copy to any meeting (IRS Publication 947).
The IRS processing-status page also says tax professionals can get real-time processing through Tax Pro Account.
Frequently asked questions
Does a faxed Form 2848 need a handwritten signature?
Yes. A Form 2848 submitted by fax or mail must carry a handwritten signature. A typed or electronic signature is only accepted when the form is submitted through Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online or Tax Pro Account. The IRS does not accept electronic signatures on faxed Forms 2848. Sign the form by hand. See the IRS instructions on signatures before sending by fax.
Can I fax Form 2848 straight to the revenue officer handling my case?
Only when it is a specific-use authorization. If you check the box on line 4, meaning the power of attorney is for a specific matter and is not recorded on the CAF, the instructions tell you to send it to the IRS office handling that matter. If line 4 is not checked, it goes to the CAF unit for your state so it is recorded against your account.
What is the IRS fax number for Form 2848?
It depends on the taxpayer’s state: Memphis CAF for eastern and southern states, Ogden CAF for western and plains states, and the international unit for territories and foreign addresses. The number for each unit and the full state list are in the table on this page. Check the Where To File chart in the Form 2848 instructions for your exact state.
How long does CAF take to process Form 2848?
The IRS posts current CAF processing times on its processing-status page (irs.gov/help/processing-status-for-tax-forms), and they can change. Until the CAF records the form, IRS staff may ask your representative to bring a copy to any meeting (IRS Publication 947).
Can I fax Form 2848 from outside the U.S.?
Yes. You can send from anywhere with internet access; FaxItOnce is a website. Which CAF unit to use depends on the taxpayer's address, not where you send from (see the state table). Taxpayers with a foreign or territory address use the international unit. The IRS lists 304-707-9785 for faxing from outside the United States and also publishes 855-772-3156. FaxItOnce sends from US numbers, so either line can be dialed.
Does a new 2848 cancel my old one?
For the same tax matters and periods, yes, unless you check the box on line 6 and attach a copy of the authorization you want to keep.
Fax Form 2848 to the CAF unit
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Davis Hill, founder, FaxItOnce (a GovBotics service).