Is your life taking you to a new place? Moving can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of administrative tasks, and notifying the IRS of your new address is a crucial one. Forgetting to update your address with the IRS can lead to delayed refunds, missed notices, and even penalties. While there are several ways to inform the IRS, doing it by phone offers a direct and often immediate way to get your information updated.
So, are you ready to ensure your tax information is always up-to-date and avoid any potential headaches down the line? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of changing your address with the IRS by phone!
How to Change Your Address with the IRS by Phone: A Comprehensive Guide
Changing your address with the IRS over the phone is a straightforward process, but it requires you to have the right information on hand and to be prepared for security verification. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth update.
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Information – Don't Skip This!
Before you even think about dialing the IRS, it's absolutely vital to have all your personal and tax-related information readily available. This will significantly speed up the call and prevent multiple hold times.
A. Personal Identification Details
- Your Full Name: As it appears on your most recent tax return.
- Any Prior Names: If you've had a name change (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), be ready to provide your previous legal name(s).
- Your Date of Birth: Self-explanatory, but have it ready.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is your primary identifier with the IRS. Make sure it's accurate!
B. Address Information
- Your New Address: The complete new mailing address, including apartment, room, or suite number, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check for accuracy!
- Your Old Address: The complete previous mailing address that the IRS currently has on file for you. This is crucial for them to locate your record.
C. Tax Return Information for Verification
The IRS will ask you questions to verify your identity. These questions often relate to your recent tax filings.
- Information from Your Most Recent Tax Return: This might include your adjusted gross income (AGI) from a specific tax year, or the filing status you used. Have a copy of your last filed tax return readily accessible.
- Other Identifying Information: They might ask for details about tax credits you claimed, income reported, or other specific lines from your return.
D. For Joint Filers (If Applicable)
If you filed a joint return, you'll need information for both spouses.
- Spouse's Full Name: As it appears on the joint return.
- Spouse's Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.
- Spouse's Date of Birth.
- Spouse's Old Address (if different from yours before the move): This is particularly relevant if you were moving in together for the first time.
Step 2: Know the Right Number to Call
The IRS has different phone lines for different types of inquiries. Make sure you're calling the correct one for individual or business address changes.
A. For Individuals
- IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals: The primary number for individual tax inquiries, including address changes, is 1-800-829-1040.
- Hours of Operation: Generally, this line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Keep in mind that wait times can vary significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and tax season.
B. For Businesses
- IRS Tax Help Line for Businesses: If you need to change the address for a business (which typically has an Employer Identification Number or EIN), the number is 1-800-829-4933.
- Hours of Operation: Similar to the individual line, this is typically open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
C. For International Callers
- If you are calling from outside the United States, you may need to use a different number. Check the IRS website's "International Services" page for the most current international contact information. One commonly cited number is 267-941-1000 (note: this may not be toll-free).
Step 3: Prepare for the Call – Patience is a Virtue!
IRS phone lines can be busy, especially during tax season. Being prepared will make the experience less frustrating.
A. Choose Your Timing Wisely
- Avoid Peak Times: Generally, early mornings (right when they open), lunch hours, and late afternoons tend to be busiest. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often less busy than Mondays and Fridays.
- Non-Tax Season is Best: If your address change isn't urgent, calling outside of the main tax filing season (January to April) will likely result in shorter wait times.
B. Find a Quiet Place
- Ensure you are in a quiet environment where you can clearly hear the IRS representative and they can hear you without background noise. This will help with the identity verification process.
C. Have Pen and Paper Ready
- It's a good idea to jot down the date and time of your call, the name of the representative you speak with, and any reference numbers they provide. This can be helpful if there are any issues later on.
Step 4: Making the Call and Verifying Your Identity
Once you connect, the most important part is accurately providing your information and successfully verifying your identity.
A. Navigate the Automated System
- You'll likely encounter an automated system first. Listen carefully to the prompts and select the options that direct you to general tax inquiries or account services. Be prepared for a bit of a maze here, but persevere!
B. Speak to a Representative
- Once you reach a live representative, state clearly that you need to update your mailing address with the IRS.
C. Identity Verification – This is Critical!
- The representative will ask you a series of questions to confirm your identity. Be prepared to provide the information you gathered in Step 1. This is for your security.
- They will ask for your full name, SSN/ITIN, date of birth, and likely your old address.
- They will almost certainly ask for specific financial information from your last filed tax return, such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a particular year, or details about a refund or payment you received/made. Do not guess if you are unsure; state that you need to check your records.
D. Provide Your New Address
- Once your identity is verified, clearly state your new, complete mailing address. Read it back to the representative to ensure they have entered it correctly.
E. Confirm the Change
- Ask the representative to confirm that the address change has been processed and when you can expect it to take effect. While they may not give you an exact time, they can provide a general processing timeframe (often 4-6 weeks for changes to be fully reflected across all IRS systems).
Step 5: Follow-Up (If Necessary)
While calling is generally effective, it's wise to consider follow-up actions, especially if you have sensitive tax matters.
A. Mail Form 8822 (Optional, but Recommended for Certain Situations)
- While a phone call can initiate the change, the IRS also has a dedicated form for address changes: Form 8822, Change of Address (for individuals) or Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business (for businesses).
- For added peace of mind, especially if you have an ongoing audit, are expecting a refund, or have complex tax situations, consider mailing a completed Form 8822 (or 8822-B) to the IRS in addition to your phone call. This provides a written record. The form itself will provide the correct mailing address based on your old address.
B. Update Other Relevant Parties
- Remember to also notify the U.S. Post Office of your change of address (to forward mail) and your employer (for W-2 forms). The IRS does not automatically get your address change from the Post Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to changing your address with the IRS by phone:
How to confirm if my address has been updated with the IRS?
You can generally confirm an address change by accessing your IRS Online Account (if you have one) or by calling the IRS directly and asking an agent to verify the address on file. Note that it can take 4-6 weeks for the change to be fully processed in all IRS systems.
How to find my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for identity verification?
Your AGI is typically found on Line 11 of your Form 1040 from your most recent tax return. If you don't have a copy, you might be able to access your tax transcript through your IRS Online Account, or request one by mail using Form 4506-T.
How to change a deceased person's address with the IRS by phone?
Changing the address for a deceased person's estate typically requires the executor or an authorized representative (with proper documentation like Letters of Testamentary or Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship) to call the IRS. You may need to use Form 8822 for estates as well.
How to get past the automated system when calling the IRS?
There's no magic trick, but try to listen carefully to the prompts and choose options that lead to "account information" or "general inquiries" rather than specific tax questions that might be handled by automated responses. Patience is key!
How to handle a joint return address change if spouses now live separately?
If you filed a joint return but are now living separately, each spouse should individually notify the IRS of their new address by calling or by filing a separate Form 8822.
How to prepare for a potentially long wait time on the phone?
Call during off-peak hours (mid-week, mid-morning/late afternoon), have all your documents ready, and be prepared to wait. You might consider using a speakerphone if the wait is extensive.
How to change a business address with the IRS by phone?
For business address changes, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Be prepared to verify your business's EIN and other identifying information.
How to ensure the IRS actually updates my address after a phone call?
While phone calls are effective, for critical updates, consider mailing in Form 8822 (or 8822-B for businesses) in addition to your phone call. This provides a written record of your request.
How to avoid common mistakes when changing my address by phone?
- Verify all information before calling: Double-check your SSN, old address, and new address.
- Have your latest tax return handy: You'll need it for identity verification.
- Be patient and polite: IRS representatives are handling many calls.
How to get help if I am an international taxpayer changing my address?
International taxpayers can call 267-941-1000 (note: not a toll-free number) for assistance with their tax questions, including address changes. You can also refer to the IRS International Services page for more contact options, including fax.
