Hey there! So, you've moved your business, or perhaps your mailing address has changed, and now you need to let the IRS know to keep everything running smoothly. Changing your address with the IRS for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a crucial step to ensure you receive important tax documents, notices, and avoid potential compliance issues. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and I'm here to walk you through it, step-by-step!
How to Change Your Address on Your IRS EIN: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping your business information up-to-date with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is essential for maintaining good standing and receiving critical communications. If your business mailing address or physical location has changed, you'll need to notify the IRS promptly. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step process to ensure your EIN records are accurate.
 |
| How To Change Address On Irs Ein |
Step 1: Understand Why It's Important and What You Need
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly understand why this matters. Failing to update your address with the IRS can lead to missed notices, delayed refunds, penalties, and even identity theft concerns. Imagine missing a crucial tax notice that results in a late filing penalty – no one wants that!
What you'll need to gather before you start:
- Your Business's Legal Name: Ensure it matches what the IRS has on file.
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is your business's unique tax ID.
- Your Old Mailing Address: The address currently linked to your EIN.
- Your New Mailing Address: The address where you want to receive all future IRS correspondence.
- Your New Business Location (if different from your mailing address): If your physical business address has changed, you'll need this too.
- Information about the Responsible Party (if changed): This is the individual or entity with control over the business's assets or funds. If this person has changed, you'll need their name and SSN/ITIN/EIN.
- Your Phone Number: For IRS contact if needed.
- Authorization (if applicable): If you are a representative signing for the taxpayer (e.g., an accountant), you'll need a copy of your Power of Attorney (Form 2848).
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Notification
The IRS provides a few ways to update your address for your EIN. The most common and recommended method for businesses is using Form 8822-B.
Option A: Filing Form 8822-B (Recommended for Businesses)
This is the primary and most official way for businesses to notify the IRS of a change in mailing address, business location, or responsible party.
Option B: Notifying the IRS with Your Tax Return
If you change your address before filing your tax return, you can simply enter your new address on your return when you file. When your return is processed, the IRS will update their records. However, this only updates the address associated with that specific return and might not universally update all your EIN records immediately. It's generally safer to use Form 8822-B for a dedicated update.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Option C: Written Statement
You can also send a signed written statement to the IRS with your full name, old and new addresses, EIN, and signature. This method is less common for EIN updates than Form 8822-B.
Option D: By Phone (Less Recommended for EIN Address Changes)
While you can notify the IRS by phone for certain address changes, for a business EIN, using Form 8822-B is more formal and creates a clear record. Phone calls may require additional identity verification.
Step 3: Completing Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business
This is where the rubber meets the road! Let's break down how to accurately fill out Form 8822-B.
Sub-Step 3.1: Download the Form
Go to the official IRS website (www.irs.gov) and search for "Form 8822-B" or "Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business." Download the latest version of the form and its instructions.
Sub-Step 3.2: Fill Out the Form Sections
- Top Section:
- If you are a tax-exempt organization, check the box provided.
- Check All Boxes This Change Affects:
- Line 1: Check this box if the change affects your employment, excise, income, and other business returns (e.g., Forms 720, 940, 941, 990, 1041, 1065, 1120). This is the most common box for address changes for general businesses.
- Line 2: Check this box if the change affects your employee plan returns (e.g., Forms 5500, 5500-EZ).
- Line 3: Check this box if you are changing your business location (physical address), in addition to or instead of your mailing address.
- Line 4a: Business name: Enter the full legal name of your business as it is registered with the IRS.
- Line 4b: Employer identification number: Enter your 9-digit EIN.
- Line 5: Old mailing address: Provide the complete old mailing address as it was last provided to the IRS. Include the number, street, room or suite number, city or town, state, and ZIP code. If it was a P.O. box, enter that instead.
- Line 6: New mailing address: Enter your complete new mailing address. This is where you want to receive all future IRS mail.
- Line 7: New business location (if different from mailing address): If your physical business location has changed and it's different from your mailing address, enter the new physical address here. If your mailing and physical addresses are the same, you can leave this blank (assuming Line 6 has the new mailing/physical address).
- Lines 8 and 9: New responsible party's name and SSN, ITIN, or EIN: Only fill out these lines if the responsible party for your business has changed. The responsible party is the individual with the highest level of control over the business's assets. Provide their new name and their corresponding identification number.
- Line 10: Signature: An authorized officer, owner, general partner, LLC member manager, plan administrator, fiduciary, or an authorized representative must sign and date the form. Be sure to print or type your name and enter your title. If a representative is signing, they must attach a copy of their power of attorney (Form 2848).
Sub-Step 3.3: Review and Double-Check
Carefully review all the information you've entered. Any errors or omissions can lead to delays in processing your address change. Ensure your EIN, old address, and new address are precisely as they should be.
Step 4: Mailing Your Form 8822-B
Unlike some other IRS forms, Form 8822-B cannot be submitted electronically or by fax. You must mail it to the correct IRS address.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Sub-Step 4.1: Find the Correct Mailing Address
The mailing address for Form 8822-B depends on the location of your old business address. Refer to the instructions for Form 8822-B to find the specific address. Generally, there are two main addresses:
- For old business addresses in specific states (e.g., CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI): Internal Revenue Service Cincinnati, OH 45999-0023
- For old business addresses in all other states (e.g., AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY) or outside the United States: Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201-0023
Sub-Step 4.2: Send It Off!
Once you've identified the correct address, mail your completed and signed Form 8822-B. It's a good idea to send it via certified mail with a return receipt requested so you have proof of mailing and delivery.
Step 5: What to Expect After Filing
The IRS generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to process address changes. During this time, you may receive a confirmation notice (Notices 148A and 148B) at both your old and new addresses confirming the change.
 |
Sub-Step 5.1: Keep Records
Always keep a copy of the completed Form 8822-B for your records. This includes the date you mailed it and any tracking information.
Sub-Step 5.2: Other Important Notifications
While updating your EIN address with the IRS is crucial, remember to also notify other relevant parties of your business's address change, including:
- Your state tax agencies
- Your bank and financial institutions
- Your customers and vendors
- The U.S. Post Office (for mail forwarding)
- Any other federal agencies you interact with
Step 6: What if I also need to change my personal address?
If you are a sole proprietor and have also changed your personal home address, you'll need to file a separate form, Form 8822, Change of Address (For Individual, Gift, Estate, or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Returns). Form 8822-B is specifically for business-related address changes tied to your EIN.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to help you further:
How to confirm the IRS has updated my EIN address? You can usually confirm the address change by receiving a confirmation notice (Notices 148A or 148B) from the IRS at both your old and new addresses, typically within 4-6 weeks of filing Form 8822-B. You can also monitor your IRS online account if you have one.
How to get a copy of my EIN confirmation letter (147C letter) with the new address? After the address change is processed, you may request a new EIN confirmation letter (often referred to as a 147C letter) by calling the IRS business and specialty tax line at 1-800-829-4933. You'll need to verify your identity and business information.
How to find the correct mailing address for Form 8822-B? The correct mailing address for Form 8822-B is listed in the instructions for the form and depends on the state of your old business address. Refer to the official IRS instructions for the most up-to-date addresses.
How to change my business name along with my address? Changing your business name is a separate process from changing your address. While Form 8822-B can update information related to your EIN, a name change typically requires specific IRS procedures or notifications depending on your business structure. Consult IRS publications or a tax professional for guidance on business name changes.
How to avoid penalties related to an address change? By promptly filing Form 8822-B and ensuring the IRS has your current address, you help ensure you receive all official correspondence, preventing missed deadlines and potential penalties for non-compliance.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
How to tell if I need a new EIN instead of just changing the address? You generally do not need a new EIN if you simply change your business name, location, or add locations. A new EIN is typically required if your business structure changes (e.g., a sole proprietorship becomes a partnership or corporation).
How to track the processing time for Form 8822-B? The IRS states it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process Form 8822-B. There isn't a direct online tracking system for this specific form's processing.
How to change the responsible party on my EIN? You change the responsible party on your EIN by filling out Lines 8 and 9 of Form 8822-B, providing the new responsible party's name and identification number. This change must be reported within 60 days.
How to get assistance if I have trouble filling out Form 8822-B? If you have questions or need assistance, you can refer to the instructions for Form 8822-B on the IRS website, or contact the IRS business and specialty tax line at 1-800-829-4933. You may also consult with a tax professional.
How to notify the IRS if I closed my business and no longer need the EIN? If you are closing your business and no longer need your EIN, you should send a letter to the IRS to close your account. This letter should include your EIN, the legal name of your business, the business address, and the reason for closing the account. Mail it to the IRS address where you filed your last return.
 |
