Where to Fax Form 2553 in 2026 | IRS Fax Numbers & Services

Form 2553 is the IRS form used to elect S corporation tax status for your business. To fax Form 2553, you must send it to one of two IRS service centers based on your state: Kansas City, MO (fax 855-887-7734) for eastern and midwestern states, or Ogden, UT (fax 855-214-7520) for western and southern states. This guide covers the exact IRS fax numbers, state-by-state routing, how to use online fax services to fax Form 2553, and what happens after you file. Whether you're filing late or on time, sending by fax creates instant proof of delivery and typically processes 2–4 weeks faster than mail.

1. Comfax – Best Overall Online Fax Service for Form 2553 Filing

Comfax is a cloud-based fax platform that allows you to fax Form 2553 directly from your computer, phone, or email without needing a physical fax machine. The service integrates both IRS fax numbers for Form 2553 and supports secure, compliant document transmission.

How Comfax Works for Form 2553

• Upload your Form 2553: Scan or upload your completed and signed Form 2553 (including all pages and shareholder consents) to the Comfax platform.
• Select the correct IRS fax number: Comfax displays both regional fax numbers. Choose 855-887-7734 (Kansas City region) if your business is in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or the District of Columbia. Choose 855-214-7520 (Ogden region) for all other U.S. states and territories.
• Send immediately: Submit the fax and receive an instant digital confirmation with date, time, and delivery status.
• Keep records: Your fax history and confirmations are stored permanently in your Comfax account for IRS correspondence or audits.

Key Features of Comfax

• Multi-device access: Send faxes from web browser, iOS app, or Android app.
• Email-to-fax integration: Forward Form 2553 from your email client directly to Comfax without logging in separately.
• Cover page customization: Add a cover sheet with your business name, EIN, and phone number for quick IRS identification.
• Delivery confirmation: Instant digital receipt proves the IRS received your fax on a specific date and time.
• Secure & encrypted: All documents are transmitted using industry-standard encryption compliant with IRS security standards.
• No software installation: Works entirely in the cloud; no downloads or IT infrastructure required.

Advantages of Using Comfax for Form 2553

• No traditional fax machine needed; accessible from anywhere with internet.
• Instant confirmation receipt eliminates uncertainty about whether the IRS received your filing.
• Permanent digital archive of all Form 2553 submissions for compliance records.
• Faster processing than mail (typically 2–4 weeks vs. 6–8 weeks).
• Professional presentation with customizable cover pages.
• Support for batch uploads if you're filing for multiple entities.

When to Use Comfax for Form 2553

Comfax is ideal if you are filing Form 2553 on a tight deadline (within 2 months and 15 days of the tax year start) and need proof of delivery. It's also the best choice for CPAs, tax professionals, and business owners who file regularly and need integrated fax management with other IRS forms.

Visit Comfax →

2. Direct IRS Fax Numbers – Traditional Method for Form 2553

You can fax Form 2553 directly to the IRS using a conventional fax machine or fax service, without a third-party platform. The IRS maintains two regional service centers that process all Form 2553 filings.

IRS Fax Numbers for Form 2553 by State

Kansas City, MO Service Center – Fax: 855-887-7734

States: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Ogden, UT Service Center – Fax: 855-214-7520

States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Advantages of Sending Form 2553 by Direct Fax

• Fax confirmation receipt proves the IRS received your filing.
• No middleman service; direct transmission to official IRS lines.
• No additional subscription or software fees.
• Processing time is 2–4 weeks (faster than mail).

Disadvantages

• Requires a functioning fax machine or fax modem.
• Manual fax confirmation receipt management and storage.
• Risk of transmission errors if fax quality is poor.
• No digital backup or cloud archive of the filing.

3. Online Fax Services Beyond Comfax – Alternative Platforms for Form 2553

Several online fax platforms allow you to send Form 2553 without owning a fax machine. Below are key alternatives.

Fax.Plus

Fax.Plus is a cloud fax provider that supports both IRS service center fax numbers. It enables email-to-fax, scan-from-phone, and web upload of Form 2553. Fax.Plus stores transmitted documents in an encrypted account for future reference. Processing time aligns with direct IRS fax (2–4 weeks). The platform offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, plus desktop access.

eFax

eFax is a long-established online fax service that routes Form 2553 to either the Kansas City or Ogden IRS fax number based on your business state. It provides digital confirmation and permanent cloud storage of all fax transmissions. eFax includes outbound faxing, inbound fax-to-email, and mobile apps. Processing time is 2–4 weeks for IRS receipt.

HelloFax

HelloFax (owned by Dropbox) allows you to upload Form 2553 and fax it to the appropriate IRS service center. The platform integrates with cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) and provides e-signature functionality if you need shareholder sign-offs. Digital confirmation receipts are stored in your HelloFax account.

RingCentral Fax

RingCentral Fax is part of the broader RingCentral unified communications platform. It supports sending Form 2553 to both IRS fax numbers and integrates with email, phone, and chat tools. Useful if your business already uses RingCentral for communications.

4. IRS Mail – Slowest Option for Form 2553

You can still mail Form 2553 to the IRS instead of faxing, though processing is significantly slower than fax or online services.

Mailing Addresses for Form 2553

Kansas City, MO Address

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Kansas City, MO 64999
States: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Ogden, UT Address

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Ogden, UT 84201
States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Advantages of Mailing Form 2553

• No technology or online account required.
• Certified mail receipt provides legal proof of delivery.
• Works for businesses without internet access.

Disadvantages

• Processing time is 6–8 weeks (vs. 2–4 weeks for fax).
• Higher risk of mail loss or misrouting.
• Certified mail is more expensive than fax or email-to-fax.
• No instant confirmation that the IRS received your filing.

5. Form 2553 Filing Requirements & Instructions

Form 2553 must include specific information and signatures to be accepted by the IRS. Filing it incorrectly or sending it to the wrong address delays your S corporation election.

What You Must Include in Form 2553

• Business name and address: Legal name of the corporation or LLC and principal business location.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN): Your business's federal tax ID (nine digits).
• Tax year election: Whether you're electing a calendar year (Jan–Dec) or fiscal year (custom start/end dates).
• Effective date: When you want S corp status to begin (must be within 2 months and 15 days of the tax year start for retroactive elections).
• Shareholder consent: All shareholders (including spouses if applicable) must sign Part III of the form or provide separate written consent.
• Part I election details: Date the corporation was incorporated, state of incorporation, and number of shares issued.
• Part II (if applicable): If requesting a non-calendar fiscal year, explain why.
• Part IV (if applicable): If filing late, provide a statement explaining why you didn't meet the deadline.

Form 2553 Filing Timeline

• On-time filing: File no later than 2 months and 15 days after the beginning of the tax year for which you want the election to take effect. For example, to be taxed as an S corp for the 2026 calendar year, file by March 15, 2026.
• Late filing: File anytime during the year before the election is to take effect (e.g., file in 2025 for 2026 S corp status). Late elections may be subject to IRS approval and penalty fees.
• Retroactive elections: Under IRS revenue procedure (Rev. Proc. 2013-30), certain late filings can be accepted if you provide reasonable cause.

After You Submit Form 2553

The IRS typically responds within 60 days of receiving your fax or mail. You will receive a CP261 Notice confirming your S corporation election, the effective date, and your assigned tax year (calendar or fiscal). Keep this notice with your permanent business records.

How We Ranked Form 2553 Fax Services in 2026

We evaluated online fax services, direct IRS methods, and alternatives based on the following criteria: (1) Ease of use — how quickly users can upload and send Form 2553; (2) IRS routing accuracy — correct fax number selection by state; (3) Proof of filing — quality of delivery confirmation; (4) Processing speed — typical time from IRS receipt to CP261 notice; (5) Security & compliance — encryption and data protection standards; (6) Cost-effectiveness — relative pricing for one-time Form 2553 fax vs. ongoing accounts; (7) Mobile accessibility — ability to file from phone or tablet; (8) Customer support — availability of help for IRS-related questions. We sourced information from IRS.gov official guidance, platform feature documentation, and real-user feedback. We did not evaluate fabricated test results or unverified vendor claims.

State-by-State Form 2553 Fax Number Reference (2026)

Form 2553 Instructions & IRS Compliance Tips

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions for Form 2553

Step 1: Download Form 2553

Visit IRS.gov and download the current-year Form 2553: Election by a Small Business Corporation PDF. Verify you're using the correct tax year version (e.g., 2026 form for 2026 elections).

Step 2: Complete Part I – Election Information

• Enter your corporation's legal name, address, EIN, incorporation date, and state of incorporation.
• List the date you want S corporation status to begin (the "election date").
• Check whether you're electing for the current tax year, the prior year, or a late election.

Step 3: Complete Part II – Fiscal Year Selection (If Applicable)

If you're requesting a non-calendar fiscal year (e.g., July 1 – June 30), explain why in Part II. The IRS requires businesses to justify non-calendar tax years.

Step 4: Obtain Shareholder Consent

All shareholders (including corporate, LLC, and individual shareholders) must sign Form 2553, Part III, or submit separate written consent forms. Each shareholder must consent to the S corporation election. If any shareholder refuses, your election will be rejected.

Step 5: Print and Sign

Print Form 2553 on white 8.5" × 11" paper, single-sided. Sign and date the form where indicated. All shareholder signatures must be original (pen and ink); photocopies or electronic signatures are not accepted for the initial filing (though some platforms support e-signatures during upload).

Step 6: Scan or Fax Form 2553

Scan Form 2553 (all pages, including shareholder consent) at 200 DPI or higher in PDF format. If mailing, make a copy for your records. If faxing, use Comfax, eFax, or direct IRS fax numbers based on your state. Keep the fax confirmation receipt with your business records.

Step 7: Send to the Correct Service Center

Verify your state's service center (Kansas City, MO or Ogden, UT) and use the corresponding fax number or mailing address. Double-check the state assignment to avoid rejection or delays.

Step 8: Track Your Filing and Await Confirmation

If you faxed, note the date, time, and confirmation number. The IRS typically responds with a CP261 Notice within 60 days. If you don't receive confirmation within 75 days, contact the IRS to verify receipt.

Common Form 2553 Filing Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect fax number: Using the wrong service center fax number delays processing. Verify your state assignment.
• Missing shareholder signatures: All shareholders must sign; unsigned forms are rejected outright.
• Incomplete Part I: Missing EIN, incorporation date, or election date will trigger an IRS request for corrections.
• Late filing without explanation: If filing after the 2-month-15-day deadline, include a statement explaining reasonable cause (Part IV).
• Poor fax quality: Illegible or faded scans may be rejected. Use high-resolution (200+ DPI) scans.
• Mailing to the wrong address: Sending to corporate offices instead of the service center address causes mail loss.
• Filing for an LLC without prior C-corp status: Form 2553 is for corporations and LLCs taxed as corporations; verify your entity type is eligible.

What Happens After You File Form 2553

IRS Processing Timeline

• Week 1–2: Form 2553 is received and logged by the IRS service center.
• Week 2–4: IRS reviews for completeness, shareholder consent, and accuracy.
• Week 4–8: IRS issues CP261 Notice confirming approval or requesting corrections.
• Week 8–12: If corrections are required, you have 60 days to submit additional documentation.

CP261 Notice: What It Means

The CP261 Notice is the IRS's official confirmation that your S corporation election has been accepted. It includes your assigned tax year (calendar or fiscal), the effective date of the election, and your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). File this notice with your permanent business records and provide copies to your accountant, payroll provider, and state tax agencies.

Tax Obligations After S Corporation Election

• Federal income tax: File Form 1120-S (U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation) annually instead of Form 1120.
• Self-employment tax: Owners pay self-employment tax only on wages paid, not on distributions (unlike sole proprietors or partnerships).
• Quarterly estimated taxes: Make estimated tax payments if your S corp will owe more than $1,000 in federal tax.
• State taxes: Some states impose additional S corporation taxes or filing fees; check your state's requirements.
• Payroll withholding: If you pay yourself a salary, you must withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.

How Long Does S Corporation Status Last?

S corporation status remains in effect until you file Form 2553 (Section 6) to revoke it, the IRS revokes it for non-compliance, or your business is dissolved. S corp status is permanent unless you actively terminate it by filing a revocation form or failing to maintain IRS requirements (e.g., exceeding 100 shareholders, adding ineligible shareholders).

FAQs About Faxing Form 2553

Can I fax Form 2553 after the deadline?

Yes, but late elections may be rejected or subject to penalties. File as soon as possible and include a statement of reasonable cause (Part IV of Form 2553) explaining the delay. The IRS allows some late elections under IRC Section 1362(b)(5) and Revenue Procedure 2013-30 if you provide valid justification.

What if the IRS rejects my Form 2553 fax?

The IRS will send a letter explaining the deficiency. Common reasons include missing signatures, incomplete shareholder consent, wrong fax number, or filing after the deadline without cause. Correct the issues and re-submit immediately. Keep all rejection letters and correspondence with your files.

Do I need to send Form 2553 by certified mail, or is fax acceptable?

Fax is acceptable and faster than certified mail. Fax confirmation receipts (from Comfax, eFax, or your fax machine) serve as proof of transmission. Certified mail is optional but provides additional legal proof if you anticipate IRS disputes. Many tax professionals use both fax and certified mail for critical filings.

How many copies of Form 2553 should I fax?

Fax one complete copy of Form 2553 with all pages, shareholder consents, and attachments. The IRS does not require multiple copies. Keep one printed copy and one digital copy in your business records for compliance and audit defense.

What if my business has multiple shareholders—do they all need to sign?

Yes, every shareholder must sign Part III of Form 2553 or provide separate written consent. If even one shareholder does not consent, the entire election is void. Spouses of shareholders may also need to sign, depending on community property laws and ownership structure. Consult a CPA or tax attorney to ensure all required parties sign.

Can I fax Form 2553 from my personal email, or must it be from a business account?

Personal email is acceptable when using email-to-fax services like Comfax or Fax.Plus. The IRS does not verify the sender's email account type. However, for compliance and audit records, consider using a business email address or account to maintain clear documentation that the filing was authorized by the corporation.

Key Takeaways: Where to Fax Form 2553 in 2026

• Two IRS fax numbers: 855-887-7734 (Kansas City, MO) for eastern and midwestern states, 855-214-7520 (Ogden, UT) for western and southern states. Verify your state assignment before faxing.
• Best method: Use Comfax or another online fax service for instant confirmation, cloud storage, and professional handling. Direct fax is free but less reliable for proof of filing.
• Processing speed: Fax submissions process 2–4 weeks faster than mail (6–8 weeks). Use fax if you're filing close to the 2-month-15-day deadline.
• What to include: All pages of Form 2553, shareholder consents, your EIN, incorporation details, and election date. Missing signatures or incomplete information will trigger IRS rejection.
• After filing: Expect a CP261 Notice within 60 days confirming your S corporation election. File Form 1120-S annually and update your tax obligations (quarterly estimated taxes, payroll withholding, state filings).
• Record retention: Keep fax confirmation receipts, copies of Form 2553, shareholder consents, and the CP261 Notice permanently for IRS correspondence and audit defense.