How to Change Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to change your address with the IRS

You can change your address with the IRS online through your account on IRS.gov, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone if you call the IRS directly. The online method is fastest — you update it in your account and it takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you use the mail or phone, allow 4 to 6 weeks for the change to process through their system.

The method you choose depends on whether you have an IRS online account set up already. If you do, online is your best option. If you don't and prefer not to create one, Form 8822 by mail works but takes longer. Phone is an option if you need to speak to someone, though wait times can be long.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online through your IRS account at IRS.gov without filling out any forms or waiting in a phone queue.
Form 8822 (Change of Address) is the official mail-in form, and you send it to the IRS address listed on the form itself, not to a general office.
If you call the IRS, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready, and expect to wait on hold.
The IRS processes address changes in 4 to 6 weeks by mail or phone, but online changes show up right away in your account.
If you file taxes jointly, both spouses must update their addresses separately if you are changing both.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and sign in to your account using your login credentials. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address. Once you're logged in, look for the option to update your address — it's usually in a section labeled "Profile" or "Account Settings."

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on IRS records. The change takes effect when ready in your online account, and the IRS begins using it for new correspondence right away. This is the method the IRS recommends because it's when ready and leaves a clear record in your account.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for changing your address by mail. You can read it from IRS.gov, get it by calling 1-800-829-3676, or pick one up at a local IRS office. Fill in your name, Social Security number, old address, and new address. You must sign and date the form — unsigned forms are rejected.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself, which varies by state. Do not mail it to your local IRS office or the main IRS address — the form tells you exactly where to send it. Include a copy of your driver's license or other ID if you want to, though it's not required. The IRS will process it in 4 to 6 weeks.

If you file jointly with a spouse and both of you are changing addresses, each of you must submit a separate Form 8822 with your own signature. A single form signed by one spouse does not update both accounts.

Changing your address by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and both your old and new addresses ready before you call. An IRS representative will update your address in the system while you're on the phone.

Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April). If you reach someone quickly, the call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The address change will process in 4 to 6 weeks, the same as mail.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated, the IRS will use the new one for all future correspondence — tax notices, refund letters, and any other mail. If you changed your address online, it shows up in your account when ready. If you used mail or phone, allow 4 to 6 weeks before you assume the change is complete.

During the processing period, you may still receive mail at your old address. Don't throw it away — open it and check what it is. If it's important (like a notice about your taxes), contact the IRS right away with the information in the letter. You can also update your address again if the first change hasn't gone through yet.

Changing your address if you've moved for work or military service

If you're moving temporarily for work or military service and plan to return to your original address, you can still update your address with the IRS. Use any of the three methods above. The IRS doesn't distinguish between permanent and temporary moves — once you change it, that's your address on file until you change it again.

If you're military and moving frequently, consider using your permanent home address or a trusted family member's address instead. This reduces the number of times you have to update the IRS. You can always use your current address for tax purposes while keeping a stable address on file with the IRS.

Updating your address if you've already filed taxes

If you filed your tax return and then moved, update your address with the IRS as soon as possible. If your refund hasn't been mailed yet, the new address will be used. If your refund was already mailed to your old address, contact the post office to see if they can forward it, or contact the IRS to ask about the status of your refund.

You can check the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. If mail has already been sent to your old address and you're worried about missing important notices, updating your address online is the fastest way to make sure future correspondence reaches you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address with the IRS if I already updated it with the post office?

No — the post office and the IRS are separate systems. Updating your address with the post office (through USPS mail forwarding) does not automatically update the IRS. You must contact the IRS separately using one of the three methods above.

How long does it take for the IRS to process an address change by mail?

The IRS typically processes address changes submitted by mail in 4 to 6 weeks. If you need the change faster, use the online method, which takes effect when ready. If you're expecting important mail from the IRS, consider calling instead of mailing the form.

Can I change my address online if I don't have an IRS account yet?

You can create an IRS account and update your address in one visit to IRS.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address to set up the account. Once created, you can update your address right away.

What if I'm filing taxes jointly — do both spouses need to update their addresses?

Yes, if both spouses are changing addresses, each one must update their own account separately. One spouse updating their address does not automatically update the other's. Both of you can do this online, or you can each submit a separate Form 8822 by mail.

Will the IRS send my refund to my new address if I change it before my return is processed?

Yes — if you update your address before the IRS processes your return, they will send your refund to the new address. If your return has already been processed and your refund mailed, it will go to the address on file at the time of mailing. Check the status of your refund on IRS.gov to see if it's been sent yet.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.