Can you fax Form 8379 to the IRS? No.
No. The IRS does not provide a fax number for Form 8379 — file it electronically with your return or mail it on its own.
There is no IRS fax line for an injured spouse claim. The IRS lets you file Form 8379 in one of two ways: attach it to your electronically filed joint return, or, if the joint return was already filed, mail Form 8379 by itself to the IRS Service Center for the area where you lived when you filed that return.
What Is Form 8379?
Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, is filed by a spouse on a joint return whose share of a tax refund was (or will be) applied to the other spouse’s separate past-due debt — such as defaulted student loans, child support, or back taxes. Filing Form 8379 lets the “injured” spouse request their portion of the refund. It is different from innocent spouse relief (Form 8857).
How to File Form 8379 the Correct Way
How you file Form 8379 depends on whether you are submitting it with your return or after the joint return was already processed.
File electronically with your e-filed joint return (fastest)
When you file your joint return through tax software, attach Form 8379 to it. The IRS processes an e-filed return with Form 8379 faster than a mailed claim.
Mail Form 8379 by itself after a joint return was already filed
If you already filed the joint return and now need to request your share, mail Form 8379 on its own to the IRS Service Center for the area where you lived when you filed that return. Use the Where To File chart in the Form 8379 instructions to find the correct address.
See the Where To File chart in the IRS instructionsSource: IRS.gov — Instructions for Form 8379. Addresses and filing rules change — always confirm the current instructions on irs.gov before sending. Last verified: June 2026.
| Detail | Form 8379 |
|---|---|
| Can you fax it to the IRS? | No |
| How to file | Electronically with your return, or mail it alone per the Where To File chart |
| Purpose | Claim your share of a joint refund taken for a spouse’s debt |
| Not the same as | Innocent spouse relief (Form 8857) |
| Last verified | June 2026 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Confusing Form 8379 (injured spouse) with Form 8857 (innocent spouse relief) — they solve different problems
- •Mailing Form 8379 to a random IRS address instead of the one in the Where To File chart for your state
- •Not attaching copies of all W-2, W-2G, and 1099 forms showing each spouse’s income and withholding
- •Trying to fax it — the IRS does not offer a fax number for Form 8379
Need to fax a form the IRS does accept?
Form 8379 can't be faxed — but plenty of IRS forms can, like Form SS-4, Form 2848, and Form 8821. When you do need to send a fax to the IRS or your tax pro, FaxFlow lets you do it securely from your phone or computer with delivery confirmation. No fax machine required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax Form 8379 to the IRS?
No — the IRS does not provide a fax number for Form 8379. File it electronically attached to your e-filed return, or, if the joint return was already filed, mail Form 8379 by itself to the IRS Service Center listed in the Where To File chart of the instructions, per irs.gov.
What is Form 8379 used for?
Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, lets a spouse on a joint return claim back their portion of a refund that the IRS applied to the other spouse’s separate past-due debt, such as child support, defaulted federal student loans, or back taxes.
Can I file Form 8379 with my tax return?
Yes. The fastest way is to attach Form 8379 to your jointly filed return and file it electronically. You can also file it after the fact by mailing it on its own.
How long does Form 8379 take to process?
The IRS generally takes about 11 weeks for an electronically filed Form 8379 and about 14 weeks if mailed on its own. Check current timeframes on irs.gov.
Is Form 8379 the same as innocent spouse relief?
No. Form 8379 (injured spouse) recovers your share of a refund taken for your spouse’s debt. Innocent spouse relief, requested on Form 8857, asks the IRS to relieve you of tax your spouse improperly reported.
⚠️ Disclaimer
FaxFlow is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. Fax numbers, addresses, and filing rules change often and may be outdated or incorrect here — always verify against the official IRS website (irs.gov) before sending. This page is for general information only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice; consult a qualified tax professional for your situation.