Why can’t I sign with a signature pad?

IRS Form 2848 instructions: handwritten signature only on fax or mail. Digital, typed-font, signature-pad, stylus, and digitized images are invalid on fax. Those methods go to IRS.gov/Submit2848 or Tax Pro Account.

No. Form 2848 is a power of attorney. Disclosure-only authorization is Form 8821 — use generic send, or IRS e-services. We are not the representative and never put SingleFax on line 2.

CAF East (Memphis), CAF West (Ogden), or the International CAF Team, from the taxpayer residence on line 1 — not the representative. This wizard is CAF only (line 4 off). Specific-use matters (EIN application, PLR, FOIA) go to generic send.

What is included for $14.99?

Guided fill of non-signature fields, unsigned PDF download, CAF routing, fax of your wet-ink scan with a cover page (last-4 TIN only), and an emailed transmission receipt. The IRS records the POA on the CAF; it does not fax a confirmation back.

SingleFax

File Form 2848 by fax — power of attorney

We fill Form 2848 for CAF recording. Print it, wet-ink sign (taxpayer and each representative), upload the scan — $14.99. Electronic signatures are not valid on a faxed 2848.

E-sign at IRS.gov/Submit2848

Fax and mail require wet ink

Prefer electronic signatures? Use IRS.gov/Submit2848 or Tax Pro Account. We do not stamp a signature pad onto Form 2848.

CAF only in this wizard

Line 4 specific-use (EIN application, PLR, FOIA, and similar) must be faxed to the office handling that matter, not CAF East/West. Use generic send for those. We are not your representative and never invent a return fax number.

Step 1 of 4 — Taxpayer

Taxpayer (line 1)

Taxpayer type

Taxpayer name

Taxpayer address

Residence (CAF routing)

I am submitting this form from outside the United States

SSN

ITIN (if no SSN)

EIN (required for an entity; also for Schedule C sole props)

Taxpayer telephone

File Form 2848 by fax — power of attorney

Fax and mail require wet ink

CAF only in this wizard

Taxpayer (line 1)

FAQ