Has your life recently taken you to a new dwelling? Moving is a monumental task, and amidst the packing, unpacking, and settling in, it's easy to overlook crucial administrative details. One of the most important tasks after a move, especially in the United States, is updating your address with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Failing to do so can lead to a host of headaches, from missed refund checks to crucial tax notices going astray.
But don't fret! Changing your address with the IRS isn't as daunting as it might seem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring your tax affairs remain in order.
Step 1: Understand Why It's Crucial to Update Your Address with the IRS
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly discuss why this step is so vital. Imagine this: you're expecting a significant tax refund, and because your address isn't updated, that check ends up at your old residence. Or worse, the IRS sends you a critical notice about your tax return, perhaps an audit notification or a request for additional information, and you never receive it. This could lead to penalties, interest, or even legal complications. The IRS relies on your last known address for all correspondence. Therefore, proactive updating is key to avoiding unnecessary stress and potential financial repercussions.
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| How To Change Address On Irs Gov |
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Notification
The IRS offers several ways to update your address. While there's no single "online" portal like some other government agencies, you have a few reliable options.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Preferred Method: Filing Form 8822 (or 8822-B for Businesses)
For most individual taxpayers, Form 8822, Change of Address (For Individual, Gift, Estate, or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Returns) is the primary and most recommended way to notify the IRS of your new home mailing address. If you're a business, you'll use Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business. These forms are designed specifically for this purpose and ensure all necessary information is captured accurately.
Sub-heading 2.2: Updating When You File Your Next Tax Return
If you move before you file your next federal income tax return, you can simply enter your new address on the return itself. When the IRS processes your return, they will update their records with your new address. This is often the fastest way to update your address if your move coincides with tax season. However, if you move mid-year and aren't filing a return for a while, it's best to use Form 8822 to avoid any missed correspondence.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Sub-heading 2.3: Written Statement
You can also send a signed written statement to the IRS. This statement should include your:
- Full name
- Old address
- New address
- Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Employer Identification Number
(EIN) for businesses.
Mail this signed statement to the address where you filed your last federal tax return.
Sub-heading 2.4: Oral Notification (Telephone or In-Person)
While possible, this method requires identity verification and may involve longer wait times. If you choose this route, be prepared to provide your full name, old and new addresses, and SSN/ITIN/EIN. The IRS may ask for additional information to confirm your identity.
Step 3: Detailed Guide to Filling Out Form 8822 (for Individuals)
Since Form 8822 is the most common and robust method, let's break it down.
Sub-heading 3.1: Obtaining Form 8822
You can download Form 8822 directly from the official IRS website: www.irs.gov/form8822. You can also find it through a quick search for "IRS Form 8822" on any search engine.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
Sub-heading 3.2: Completing Part I: Change Your Home Mailing Address
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Your Name(s) and Social Security Number(s):
- Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your tax return.
- If you filed a joint return, you'll also need to enter your spouse's full name.
- Enter your Social Security Number (SSN).
- If applicable, enter your spouse's SSN.
- Important: If you have a prior name (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), make sure to include it in the designated box.
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Old Address:
- Provide your old address – the one the IRS currently has on file for you. This includes the street number, street name, apartment or suite number, city or town, state, and ZIP code.
- If you had a P.O. Box, enter that instead of a street address only if your post office doesn't deliver mail to your street address.
- If your old address was a foreign address, provide the foreign country name, province/county, and postal code.
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New Address:
- Enter your new address in the same detailed format as your old address.
- Again, if it's a P.O. Box, use it only if mail isn't delivered to your street address.
- For foreign addresses, follow the country's practice for entering the postal code and do not abbreviate the country name.
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In Care Of (C/O) Address (Optional):
- If you want your mail to be sent "in care of" a third party (like an accountant or attorney), enter "C/O" followed by their name and address.
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Check the Boxes that Apply:
- Line 1: Check this box if the change affects individual income tax returns (Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, etc.). This is the most common selection.
- Line 2: Check this box if the change also affects gift, estate, or generation-skipping transfer tax returns (Form 709, 706, 706-NA, 706-SS, etc.).
- Line 3: Check this box if you are establishing a separate residence from your spouse (e.g., due to divorce or separation). If you checked this box, only your signature is required in Part II.
Sub-heading 3.3: Completing Part II: Signature(s)
- Your Signature: You must sign and date the form.
- Spouse's Signature (if applicable): If you filed a joint return and you are not establishing a separate residence (meaning you're still residing together at the new address), your spouse must also sign and date the form.
- Authorized Representative: If a representative is signing on your behalf (e.g., an accountant with a Power of Attorney), they must attach a copy of their Power of Attorney (Form 2848). The IRS will not process an address change from an unauthorized third party.
Step 4: Where to Mail Form 8822
This is a critical step! The mailing address for Form 8822 depends on your old home mailing address. You'll find a clear table in the instructions for Form 8822 that indicates where to send your completed form.
- Example: If your old home mailing address was in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, you would mail it to:
- Department of the Treasury
- Internal Revenue Service Center
- Atlanta, GA 39901-0023
Always double-check the instructions for the most current mailing address applicable to your specific situation.
Step 5: What Happens After You Mail the Form?
After you submit Form 8822, it generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process your change of address request. During this time, continue to monitor your mail at both your old and new addresses, if possible. The IRS may send a confirmation notice to both locations.
Step 6: Don't Forget the Post Office!
While notifying the IRS is paramount, it's also essential to notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) of your address change. You can do this by submitting a change-of-address request at
Step 7: Update Other Important Entities
Once your address is updated with the IRS and USPS, remember to update it with other relevant parties, such as:
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
- Your employer: Ensure your W-2 forms and other tax documents reflect your correct address.
- Banks and financial institutions: For 1099 forms and other statements.
- State tax agencies: Many states have their own processes for address changes.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): If you receive Social Security benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check if the IRS Has My New Address?
You generally won't receive a direct confirmation that your address has been updated beyond the potential notice sent to both old and new addresses. The best way to check is to monitor for future IRS correspondence at your new address. If you're concerned, you can also try calling the IRS directly, but be prepared for potentially long wait times and identity verification questions.
How to Change My Business Address with the IRS?
For businesses, you'll use Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business. The process is similar to Form 8822 but tailored for business entities, requiring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and information about the responsible party.
How to Change My Address if I Filed a Joint Return and We're Now Separated?
If you filed a joint return and you and your spouse now have separate addresses, each of you should notify the IRS of your new, separate addresses. If using Form 8822, you would check the box on Line 3 to indicate you are establishing a separate residence.
How to Change My Address if I'm Living Abroad?
If you move abroad, use Form 8822 (or 8822-B for businesses). For your new address, follow the country's practice for entering the postal code and do not abbreviate the country name.
How to Get IRS Correspondence Forwarded to a Third Party?
On Form 8822, you can use the "In Care Of" (C/O) section to have your mail sent to a third party, such as an accountant or attorney. Enter "C/O" followed by their name and address.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
How to Handle an Address Change if I Haven't Filed Taxes in a While?
Even if you haven't filed a recent tax return, it's still advisable to update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 to ensure any future correspondence reaches you.
How to Find the Correct Mailing Address for Form 8822?
The mailing address for Form 8822 is listed in the instructions for the form itself. It depends on your old home mailing address. Always refer to the most current instructions.
How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Process an Address Change?
Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks after the IRS receives your Form 8822 or other notification for the address change to be fully processed in their system.
How to Prevent Identity Theft Related to Address Changes?
Updating your address promptly helps prevent tax-related identity theft, as it ensures important notices and refund checks don't fall into the wrong hands at your old address. Always be vigilant about any suspicious mail or lack of expected correspondence.
How to Contact the IRS if I Have Further Questions?
For general tax questions or assistance with address changes, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (for individuals) or 1-800-829-4933 (for businesses). Be prepared for potential wait times. You can also visit the IRS website's "Contact Us" section for more resources.
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