I sent my hard copy Form 3115 on 9/17 by fax. Will that be a problem? The digital one was filed 9/13 with return.
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1 Replies
FranklinF
Employee Tax Expert
Sep 17, 2025 3:57:25 PM
PER IRS GUIDELINES:
Your Form 3115 filing should be acceptable because you filed the duplicate copy by fax within the deadline, and the timing is consistent with IRS procedures for an automatic accounting method change. The key requirements are filing the original Form 3115 with your tax return and sending a separate copy to the IRS's processing center by the due date of the return (including extensions).
Why your filing is likely fine
You met the two-copy requirement.For an automatic change, the IRS requires two copies of Form 3115 to be filed:
Original copy:Attached to your tax return.
Duplicate copy:Sent separately to the IRS's central processing office in Ogden, Utah.
The IRS accepts faxed duplicate copies.Since 2020, the IRS has had a temporary procedure in place that allows for the duplicate copy of Form 3115 for an automatic change to be faxed instead of mailed. This procedure is in effect "until further notice".
The timing is correct.The duplicate copy must be filed no later than the date you filed your tax return. Your fax on September 17, after you filed your return on September 13, meets this requirement.
Key details for your records
The IRS does not provide a confirmation or receipt for faxed Form 3115 submissions. You should retain the following for your records in case the filing is questioned in the future:
A copy of the faxed Form 3115.
Your fax transmission log, which serves as proof that all pages were successfully sent.
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