Have you recently moved or are planning to, and suddenly a wave of anxiety hits you about all the administrative tasks you need to tackle? Don't worry, you're not alone! Among the seemingly endless list of address changes, updating your information with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of the most critical. Failing to notify the IRS of your new address can lead to significant headaches, from missed refund checks to crucial notices about your tax liabilities, potentially incurring penalties and interest. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing your address with the IRS, ensuring a smooth transition and peace of mind.
Changing Your Address with the IRS: A Step-by-Step Guide
It's vital to keep your address updated with the IRS to ensure you receive all important correspondence, including tax refunds, notices, and other critical documents. The IRS doesn't automatically update your address based on changes reported to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), so taking proactive steps is essential.
 |
| How To Change Of Address Irs |
Step 1: Understand Why It's Crucial to Update Your Address Immediately
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon why this is so important. Imagine the IRS sends you a notice about an audit or a tax deficiency, and it goes to your old address. You might never receive it, but the clock for responding continues to tick. This could lead to serious consequences, including penalties, interest, or even collection actions, all because you weren't aware of the issue.
Furthermore, if you're expecting a tax refund check, it will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file. If that's your old address, your refund could be delayed or even lost. While the USPS may forward some government checks, it's not a guaranteed process. Therefore, taking direct action to update your IRS records is always the safest bet.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method of Notification
The IRS offers a few ways to update your address. The method you choose might depend on your individual circumstances and how quickly you need to ensure the update.
Sub-heading: Method A: Filing Form 8822 (Individuals, Gifts, Estates, and Generation-Skipping Transfers)
This is the most common and recommended method for individuals to change their home mailing address. Form 8822, "Change of Address," is specifically designed for this purpose.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
-
Obtain Form 8822:
- You can download the latest version of Form 8822 directly from the IRS website (
www.irs.gov/form8822 - Alternatively, you can request a copy by calling the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
- You can download the latest version of Form 8822 directly from the IRS website (
-
Fill Out Form 8822 Accurately:
- Part I: Complete This Part To Change Your Home Mailing Address.
- Check the appropriate box(es): Mark the box for "Individual income tax returns (Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, etc.)."
- Joint Returns: If your last return was a joint return and you are now establishing a separate residence from your spouse, there's a specific box to check. If you're still residing with the same spouse, both you and your spouse should provide your names, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), new address, and signatures on the form.
- Your Personal Information: Enter your full name, Social Security Number (SSN), and any prior names (e.g., if you changed your name due to marriage or divorce).
- Spouse's Information (if applicable): If you filed a joint return and are still with your spouse, include their name and SSN.
- Your Old Address: Crucially, provide the exact old address that the IRS currently has on file for you.
- Your New Address: Clearly write your complete new mailing address, including any apartment, room, or suite numbers.
- P.O. Box vs. Street Address: Only use a P.O. box if your post office does not deliver mail to your street address.
- Foreign Address: If you've moved abroad, follow the country's practice for entering the postal code and do not abbreviate the country name.
- "In Care of" Address: If you want your mail to go to a third party (like an accountant), enter "C/O" followed by their name and address.
- Signature: Ensure you sign and date the form. If it was a joint return and you are still with the same spouse, both spouses must sign unless you are establishing a separate residence.
- Power of Attorney: If you are a representative signing on behalf of the taxpayer, you must attach a copy of your power of attorney (e.g., Form 2848). The IRS will not process an address change from an unauthorized third party.
- Part I: Complete This Part To Change Your Home Mailing Address.
-
Where to File Form 8822:
- The mailing address for Form 8822 depends on your old home mailing address.
- The instructions on Form 8822 itself provide a table with the correct IRS Service Center address based on your previous state of residence. Do not send it to your new local IRS office unless specifically instructed.
- Do not attach Form 8822 to your tax return. It must be mailed separately.
-
Processing Time:
- Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process a change of address request submitted via Form 8822.
Sub-heading: Method B: Notifying the IRS When Filing Your Next Tax Return
If you move before you file your next tax return, the simplest way to update your address is to simply enter your new address on the tax return itself. When the IRS processes your return, they will update their records accordingly.
- Important Note: While this is convenient, it means your address won't be updated until your return is processed. If you anticipate receiving any IRS correspondence before filing, or if you need to receive a refund check at your new address soon, it's still advisable to file Form 8822.
Sub-heading: Method C: Sending a Signed Written Statement
You can also notify the IRS of your address change by sending a signed written statement. This statement should include:
* Your full name
- Your old address
- Your new address
- Your Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number (ITIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN). - Your signature.
- Joint Filers: If you filed a joint return, both spouses should provide their names, SSNs, new address, and signatures. If you now have separate addresses, each spouse should send their own separate notification.
Mail your signed statement to the IRS address where you filed your last tax return.
Sub-heading: Method D: Oral Notification (Telephone or In-Person)
You can call the IRS or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to verbally inform them of your address change.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
- By Telephone: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared to verify your identity by providing your full name, old and new addresses, SSN, and possibly your date of birth or previous tax information.
- In Person: Find your nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center on the IRS website. Be prepared to verify your identity with government-issued identification and provide your old and new addresses and SSN.
While these methods are available, they might not be as thoroughly documented as filing Form 8822 or including it on your tax return. For critical communications, a written record is often preferred.
Step 3: Specific Considerations for Businesses
If you're a business owner, you'll need to use a different form to update your business mailing address or location, or to report a change in the responsible party.
 |
Sub-heading: Filing Form 8822-B (Business)
For businesses, use Form 8822-B, "Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business."
- Obtain Form 8822-B: Download it from the IRS website (
www.irs.gov/form8822b - Fill Out Form 8822-B:
- Check the appropriate box(es): Indicate if the change affects employment, excise, income, or other business returns, or employee plan returns.
- Business Information: Provide your business name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), old mailing address, new mailing address, and new business location (if different from the mailing address).
- Responsible Party Changes: If there's a change in the identity of your responsible party, you must report this on Form 8822-B as well.
- Signature: The form must be signed by the owner, an officer, or an authorized representative. If a representative signs, a copy of their power of attorney (Form 2848) must be attached.
- Where to File Form 8822-B: The filing address for Form 8822-B is also dependent on your old business address. Consult the instructions on the form for the correct IRS Service Center.
- Processing Time: Similar to Form 8822, it generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process Form 8822-B.
Step 4: Don't Forget the USPS!
While notifying the IRS directly is crucial, it's also a good idea to inform the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of your address change. You can do this by submitting a change of address request at your local post office or online at the USPS website. This helps ensure that any mail initially sent to your old address is forwarded to your new one.
However, remember that the USPS forwarding service is a temporary measure and does not replace the need to directly update your address with the IRS. Some government checks may not be forwarded.
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Step 5: Verify Your Address Change (Optional but Recommended)
After submitting your address change request, you can keep an eye out for confirmation. The IRS may send a notice (like Notice 148A or 148B for employment tax-related changes) to both your old and new addresses to confirm the update.
If you don't receive any confirmation within the estimated processing time (4-6 weeks), or if you have any concerns, you can:
- Check your IRS Online Account: If you have an IRS online account, you may be able to see your updated address there.
- Call the IRS: Follow up by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your personal information (name, SSN, old and new addresses) ready for verification.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about changing your address with the IRS, with quick answers:
How to check if the IRS has my current address on file?
While there isn't a direct "check my address" tool, you can verify it by reviewing past IRS correspondence. If you have an IRS Online Account, you might also see your address listed there. If in doubt, the safest bet is to submit a change of address.
How to change my address with the IRS if I'm expecting a refund?
File Form 8822 (for individuals) or Form 8822-B (for businesses) as soon as possible. Also, notify the USPS of your change of address to help forward any checks initially sent to your old address.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
How to change my business address with the IRS?
Use Form 8822-B, "Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business," and mail it to the appropriate IRS Service Center listed in the form's instructions.
How to change my address for IRS direct deposit?
Your address on file with the IRS does not directly impact your direct deposit information. For direct deposit changes, you would typically update your bank account information when filing your tax return, or with your financial institution for existing direct deposit arrangements.
How to change my address if I'm an executor for an estate or handling gift tax returns?
You would use Form 8822, "Change of Address," which covers individual, gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax returns.
How to change my address if I filed a joint return but am now separating?
If you filed a joint return and are now establishing separate residences, each individual should file a separate Form 8822 to notify the IRS of their new, separate address.
How to change my address if I'm an authorized representative for a taxpayer?
When filing Form 8822 or Form 8822-B on behalf of a taxpayer, you must attach a copy of your power of attorney, such as Form 2848, "Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative."
How to update my address with the IRS online?
Currently, there is no direct online method to change your mailing address with the IRS. You must use one of the paper methods (Form 8822/8822-B, written statement) or notify them by phone or in person.
How to ensure my address change is processed quickly by the IRS?
Ensure all information on Form 8822 or 8822-B is accurate and legible. Mail it to the correct IRS Service Center as specified in the form's instructions. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
How to avoid problems if I forgot to update my address with the IRS?
If you realize you haven't updated your address, do so immediately using Form 8822 or a written statement. If you've missed any IRS correspondence, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to inquire about any outstanding notices or actions required.
 |
