Have you recently moved or are planning to? Congratulations on your new home! But wait, before you get too comfortable, there's a crucial step you absolutely cannot overlook: updating your address with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Failing to do so can lead to a host of headaches, from missed refunds and important notices to potential penalties. The good news is, it's a straightforward process when you know the steps. Let's dive in!
Why is Updating Your Address with the IRS So Important?
The IRS relies on your mailing address to send you vital tax documents, notices, and even your refund checks (if you're not set up for direct deposit). If they don't have your current address, this critical correspondence could end up in the wrong hands or simply be returned to them. This can result in:
- Delayed Refunds: Imagine waiting for your tax refund only to find out the check was mailed to your old address!
- Missed Notices: The IRS might send you a notice about an audit, a balance due, or other important tax matters. If you don't receive it, you could miss crucial deadlines and incur penalties or interest.
- Identity Theft Risk: Mail containing sensitive financial information sent to an old address could potentially fall into the wrong hands.
- Complications with Future Filings: An outdated address can lead to confusion and delays when filing subsequent tax returns.
While the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers mail forwarding, it's not a substitute for directly notifying the IRS. Not all government checks are forwarded, and the IRS doesn't automatically update its records based on USPS changes. Therefore, it's imperative to notify the IRS directly.
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| How To Update Address With Irs |
Step 1: Identify Your Situation – Are You an Individual or a Business?
The first thing you need to determine is whether you're changing your personal address or a business address. The IRS uses different forms for each.
For Individuals:
This applies if you're an individual taxpayer, whether you filed a Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or other individual income tax returns. This also applies to gift, estate, or generation-skipping transfer tax returns.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
For Businesses:
This applies if you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and are changing your business mailing address, business physical location, or the identity of your responsible party.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method of Notification
The IRS offers several ways to update your address. You can choose the method that best suits your needs and timing.
Method 1: Using the Appropriate IRS Form (Most Recommended)
This is generally the most reliable and preferred method by the IRS, as it ensures all necessary information is captured.
Sub-heading: For Individuals: Form 8822, Change of Address
- What it is: Form 8822 is specifically designed for individuals to notify the IRS of a change to their home mailing address.
- How to get it:
- Download Online: The quickest way is to download the PDF directly from the official IRS website: www.irs.gov/form8822.
- Order by Mail: You can call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to have a copy mailed to you.
- Filling out Form 8822 (Individual):
- Your Information: Enter your full name, Social Security Number (SSN), and any prior names (if applicable).
- Spouse's Information (if applicable): If you filed a joint return and your spouse is also changing their address, include their name and SSN. If you filed jointly and now have separate addresses, each of you should file a separate Form 8822.
- Old Address: Provide your previous mailing address exactly as it appeared on your most recently filed tax return. Be sure to include apartment, room, or suite numbers.
- New Address: Enter your new mailing address. If you're using a P.O. Box, only use it if your post office doesn't deliver mail to your street address. If it's a foreign address, follow the country's postal code format.
- Check all applicable boxes: Indicate which types of tax returns this address change affects (e.g., individual income tax returns, gift tax, estate tax).
- Signature and Date: Sign and date the form. If it was a joint return and your spouse's address is also changing, both you and your spouse must sign. If you're a representative signing on behalf of the taxpayer, you must attach a copy of your power of attorney (e.g., Form 2848).
- Where to File Form 8822: The mailing address depends on your old home mailing address. The instructions on Form 8822 itself provide a table with the correct IRS Service Center address. Do NOT attach this form to your tax return. Mail it separately.
- Processing Time: Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process a change of address submitted via Form 8822.
Sub-heading: For Businesses: Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party - Business
- What it is: Form 8822-B is used by businesses and other entities with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to notify the IRS of changes to their business mailing address, business location, or the identity of their responsible party.
- How to get it: Download the PDF directly from the official IRS website: www.irs.gov/form8822b.
- Filling out Form 8822-B (Business):
- Business Information: Enter your business name, EIN, and any prior business names.
- Type of Return: Indicate the type of tax return your business files.
- Old Mailing Address: Provide the previous mailing address for your business.
- New Mailing Address: Enter your new mailing address for the business.
- Old Business Location: If different from the mailing address, enter the old physical location.
- New Business Location: If different from the mailing address, enter the new physical location.
- Responsible Party Information (if applicable): If the responsible party has changed, provide their new details. Note: Changes in responsible parties must be reported within 60 days.
- Signature and Date: The owner, an officer, or an authorized representative must sign and date the form. If a representative is signing, attach a copy of their power of attorney.
- Where to File Form 8822-B: The mailing address depends on your old business address. Refer to the instructions on Form 8822-B for the correct IRS Service Center address.
- Processing Time: Similar to Form 8822, expect 4 to 6 weeks for processing.
Method 2: Filing Your Next Tax Return with Your New Address
This is often the easiest method if you're filing your return soon.
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- How it works: Simply enter your new address in the appropriate sections of your tax return (e.g., Form 1040). When the IRS processes your return, they will update your address in their records.
- Considerations:
- This method is only effective after your return is processed. If you need to update your address immediately to receive prior correspondence, use Form 8822 or another method.
- If you've already filed your return, this method won't help for that specific tax year's correspondence.
Method 3: Sending a Signed Written Statement
If you prefer not to use a specific form or are unable to, you can send a signed letter.
- What to include: Your signed statement must contain:
- Your full name (and spouse's name if applicable).
- Your old address.
- Your new address.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Your signature (and spouse's signature if applicable, for joint returns).
- Where to mail it: Send your signed statement to the IRS Service Center where you filed your last tax return. You can find these addresses in your tax form instructions or by searching the IRS website.
Method 4: Oral Notification (Telephone or In-Person)
This method is useful if you need to speak with someone directly, but be prepared for potential wait times.
- Telephone:
- Individuals: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
- Businesses: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
- Be prepared: You'll need to verify your identity and the address the IRS has on file for you. Have your full name, old and new addresses, SSN/ITIN/EIN, and possibly your date of birth ready. They may ask additional questions to confirm your identity.
- In-Person: You can visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).
- Appointment Recommended: It's highly recommended to make an appointment before visiting a TAC to avoid long waits. You can find your nearest TAC and schedule an appointment on the IRS website.
- Bring Documentation: Bring identification, your SSN/ITIN/EIN, and both your old and new address information.
Step 3: 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. This helps ensure that any mail, including non-IRS government correspondence, is forwarded to your new location. You can do this by submitting a change of address request online at the USPS website or in person at your local post office.
Step 4: Verify and Keep Records
- Double-check everything: Before submitting any form or statement, meticulously review all the information you've provided. Even a small typo can cause delays.
- Keep a copy: Always make a copy of any form or written statement you send to the IRS for your records. Note the date you mailed it.
- Confirmation: The IRS generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to process an address change. For employment tax returns, they issue confirmation notices (Notices 148A and 148B) to both the new and former address. While not always the case for individual changes, keeping your records ensures you have proof of notification if any issues arise.
By following these steps, you can ensure the IRS has your most current information, preventing unnecessary stress and safeguarding your financial well-being.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about updating your address with the IRS:
How to check if the IRS has my correct address?
Unfortunately, there's no direct online tool to verify your address with the IRS. The best way to ensure they have the correct address is to actively update it using one of the methods described above. If you receive IRS correspondence at your new address, it's a good indication their records are updated.
How to update my address with the IRS online?
As of now, there isn't a direct online portal to simply change your address with the IRS. You must use one of the methods outlined: Form 8822/8822-B, filing a new tax return, written statement, or oral notification.
How to change my business address with the IRS?
For businesses, you must use Form 8822-B, "Change of Address or Responsible Party - Business." Fill it out completely with your EIN, old and new business addresses, and mail it to the appropriate IRS Service Center.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
How to update my address if I filed a joint return and now have separate addresses?
If you filed a joint return and you and your spouse now have separate addresses, each of you should file a separate Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your individual new addresses.
How to notify the IRS of a foreign address change?
When filling out Form 8822 or Form 8822-B for a foreign address, enter the address following the customary format of that country, including the foreign country name, province/county, and postal code in the designated fields.
How to ensure my refund check goes to my new address?
The most reliable way to receive your refund at your new address is to ensure your address is updated with the IRS before your refund is issued. If possible, opt for direct deposit when you file your tax return, as this is the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund regardless of address changes.
How to change my address if I don't have to file a tax return?
Even if you're not required to file a tax return, it's still advisable to update your address, especially if you anticipate receiving any correspondence from the IRS (e.g., related to past tax years). You can do this by mailing in Form 8822 or a signed written statement.
How long does it take for the IRS to process an address change?
Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process a change of address request after they receive your form or statement.
How to update my address if I made a mistake on a previously filed tax return?
If you simply put the wrong address on a filed tax return, you will need to actively notify the IRS of your correct address using Form 8822, a written statement, or by calling them. The IRS does not reject returns solely for an incorrect address.
How to get a copy of Form 8822 or Form 8822-B?
You can easily download both forms in PDF format from the official IRS website: www.irs.gov/form8822 for individuals and www.irs.gov/form8822b for businesses. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to have them mailed to you.
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