Form 2553 is the election that turns your LLC or corporation into an S corporation for tax purposes, and yes, the IRS accepts it by fax. Faxing is usually faster than mail and leaves you with a transmission record. Our top pick is Faxend, the fastest way to send Form 2553 from an iPhone when you do not own a fax machine. This guide covers when to fax, where to find the correct number, and how to send it cleanly.
When You Can Fax Form 2553 and When to Mail It
Form 2553 is how a business elects S corporation treatment under the tax code. The IRS lets you submit it by fax or by mail, and for most filers fax is the practical choice. A fax reaches the service center in minutes and leaves you with a confirmation you can save.
There is a timing rule worth knowing before you send. The election is generally due within two months and 15 days after the start of the tax year you want it to apply to, or any time in the year before. If you are filing late, Form 2553 has a relief provision built into the form, and you can still fax it with the late election explanation completed.
Fax works well when your signatures are already on the form and you simply need it delivered. Mail still makes sense if you are including items that must travel as physical originals. For a standard election, faxing is faster and easier to track.
Where to Find the Right IRS Fax Number for Form 2553
The IRS routes Form 2553 to one of two service centers based on the state where your business is located. That means there is no single universal number, and the correct fax line depends on your address.
Do not rely on a number you found on a random forum or an old screenshot. Fax numbers and filing addresses change, and sending to a retired line is one of the most common reasons an election stalls. Always confirm the current number against the official source.
Pull up the Instructions for Form 2553 on irs.gov and find the table labeled Where To File. Match your state to the correct service center, then use the fax number listed there. If you moved recently, use the address that reflects where the business is now located.
For a broader walkthrough of matching IRS forms to the right destination, see our guide on finding the right IRS fax number.
How to Fax Form 2553 Without a Fax Machine
If you own a fax machine, you can dial the service center number directly. Most people filing a single tax election do not, and buying a machine for one document makes no sense. An online fax app sends Form 2553 straight from the phone or laptop you already have.
Our top pick is Faxend, the fastest way to send a fax from an iPhone. Faxend is the iOS app we build. You snap a photo of the signed form or import the PDF, enter the service center fax number, and send. It is free to download, and you pay per fax or through a plan rather than signing a long contract.
Here is how the main options compare for a one-off filing like Form 2553.
| Service | Best for | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faxend | Fastest way to fax from an iPhone | iOS | Free to download, per-fax or plan pricing, photo or PDF in a couple of taps |
| eFax | Ongoing business faxing | Web, iOS, Android | Subscription based, includes a number for receiving faxes |
| FaxZero | A single free page | Web | Free tier with a branded cover page and daily limits |
| iFax | Cross-platform use | Web, iOS, Android | Subscription with credits, more features than most need for one form |
Any of these will deliver the pages. For a single S corporation election sent from a phone, Faxend gets you there with the least setup.
Step by Step: Sending Form 2553 by Fax
Sending Form 2553 by fax is straightforward once you have the signed form and the right number. Follow these steps in order.
- 1Sign and complete the form.Every listed shareholder must sign, and the consent statement in Part I must be filled in. An unsigned form gets rejected.
- 2Save it as a clean PDF or clear photo.Flatten the pages, make sure the text is legible, and confirm nothing is cut off at the edges.
- 3Confirm the service center fax number.Match your state on the irs.gov Where To File table and copy the current number exactly.
- 4Add a short cover sheet.Include your business name, EIN, the form number, and a page count so the receiving center can route it.
- 5Send and save the confirmation.Keep the transmission report that shows the date, time, and a successful result. That page is your proof of filing.
If you have not set up an EIN yet, you will need one before the election is processed. Our guide on how to fax Form SS-4 to get an EIN walks through that step.
Faxend is our top pick for sending a fax from an iPhone. It is the app we build, it is free to download, and it turns a photo or PDF into a fax in a couple of taps. Per-fax or plan pricing applies.
What to Put on Your Fax Cover Sheet
A cover sheet is not strictly required, but it helps the service center handle your fax correctly. Keep it simple and factual.
Include the business legal name exactly as it appears on the form, the employer identification number, the form number written as Form 2553, and a total page count. Add a return contact so someone can reach you if a page comes through unreadable.
Skip decorative templates and long messages. A plain, readable cover page does its job better than anything fancy. If you want more filing walkthroughs, browse our how-to fax guides for step-by-step help.
After You Fax: Confirmation and IRS Response Time
Faxing does not generate an instant IRS acknowledgment. The service center processes the election and, once accepted, mails a determination letter, usually a CP261 notice, confirming your S corporation status.
Response time varies. It commonly takes around 60 days, and it can run longer during busy filing periods. If you have not heard back after that window, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty line to check the status rather than refaxing blindly.
Hold on to your transmission confirmation the entire time. If the IRS has no record of receipt, that timestamped report is what proves you sent it on time. For more on what the agency accepts by fax, see does the IRS accept faxed documents. If you are also sending a power of attorney so a representative can follow up, our guide on faxing Form 2848 covers that.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your S-Corp Election
A few avoidable errors send Form 2553 filers back to the start. Watch for these before you hit send.
Missing signatures top the list. Every shareholder listed in Part I must sign and consent, and one blank line can void the election. Sending to an outdated fax number is a close second, which is why confirming the number on irs.gov matters.
Filing late without completing the relief section is another trap. If you are past the deadline, fill in the reasonable cause explanation on the form rather than leaving it blank. Finally, do not fax the same form repeatedly because you are anxious about the wait. Duplicate submissions can create confusion at the service center. Send once, save your confirmation, and follow up by phone if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The IRS accepts Form 2553 by fax, and for most filers it is faster than mail. Send it to the fax number for the service center that matches your business state, listed in the Instructions for Form 2553 on irs.gov. Keep the transmission confirmation as your proof of filing.
There is no single number. The IRS uses two service centers and assigns your fax line by the state where your business is located. Check the Where To File table in the official Form 2553 instructions on irs.gov for the current number, since these lines change over time.
Use an online fax app. Our top pick is Faxend, the fastest way to send Form 2553 from an iPhone. You import the signed PDF or snap a photo, enter the service center number, and send. It is free to download, with per-fax or plan pricing.
Expect around 60 days for the IRS to process the election and mail a confirmation notice, often a CP261. Busy filing seasons can push it longer. If you have not received a determination letter after that window, call the IRS Business and Specialty line rather than refaxing.
Yes. Your business needs an employer identification number, and the form asks for it. If you do not have one yet, apply for the EIN first, then file the S corporation election. Faxing Form SS-4 is one fast way to obtain an EIN.
