How to Update Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to change your address with the IRS

You can update your address with the IRS in three ways: online through your IRS account, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone. The online method is fastest—you can change it when ready and see the update reflected in your account right away. If you do not have an IRS online account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid form of ID.

The IRS uses your address on file to send tax notices, refund checks, and correspondence about your account. If you move and do not update it, mail can be delayed or lost, and you may miss important important date. The sooner you change it after moving, the better—ideally before filing your next tax return.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address online through your IRS account, by mailing Form 8822, or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.
An online address change takes effect when ready, while a mailed form takes four to six weeks to process.
If you file a tax return with your new address before updating the IRS, the return itself will update your address on file.
The IRS sends notices, refunds, and bills to the address in their system, so updating it prevents mail delays and missed important date.
You must update your address separately for each tax year if you moved between filing seasons.

Changing your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in to your account" in the upper right corner. You will land on the login page for the IRS online account portal. If you already have an account, enter your username and password. If you do not, select "Create an account" and follow the steps to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a photo ID or state ID.

Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" (the exact wording varies slightly depending on which IRS portal you are using). Select the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you will see your updated address displayed in your account right away. No form is needed, and there is no waiting period.

This method works only if you have already created an IRS online account. If you have not, the account creation itself can take a few minutes, but once it is done, updating your address is when ready.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for address changes by mail. You can read it from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 800-829-1040. Fill in your name, old address, new address, and Social Security number. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form itself—this varies by state, so check the form before mailing.

Processing takes four to six weeks. During that time, the IRS may still send mail to your old address, so ask the new occupant to forward anything with your name, or file a mail forwarding request with the postal service. Keep a copy of the form for your records in case the IRS sends you a notice at your old address asking you to confirm the change.

Use this method if you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account. It is slower than the online method, but it is reliable and creates a paper record.

Changing your address by phone

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, old address, and new address ready. A representative will update your address over the phone and confirm the change before hanging up.

Phone lines are often busy, especially during tax season (January through April), so call early in the morning or later in the afternoon for shorter wait times. The change takes effect when ready, though you may receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a few weeks.

What happens if you file a tax return before updating your address

If you file a tax return with your new address before you update the IRS, your return will automatically update your address on file. The IRS processes the address from your return and uses it going forward. This is one of the most common ways people update their address without realizing it.

However, do not rely on this if you are expecting a refund or a notice before your next filing season. Update your address separately to make sure the IRS has it in their system right away. If you file jointly with a spouse, both of you must agree on the address, or the IRS may reject the return.

Updating your address for multiple tax years

If you moved between tax years, you may need to update your address separately for each year. For example, if you moved in June and have not yet filed your 2024 return, update your address now so the IRS has it when you file. If you also need to update your address for a prior year (2023 or earlier), use Form 8822 and specify which tax year the change applies to.

The online method updates your current account, which affects the tax year you are currently working on. If you need to change an address for a return you already filed, use Form 8822 and write the tax year on the form so the IRS knows which year to update.

What to do if the IRS sends mail to your old address

If you receive IRS mail at your old address after you have updated it, do not ignore it. Open it and check what it says. It may be a notice that arrived before your address change was processed, or it may be for a different tax year. If it is important (a bill, a notice of audit, or a request for information), respond to it even though it came to the old address.

You can also file a mail forwarding request with the U.S. Postal Service so that mail sent to your old address is automatically forwarded to your new one. This gives you a safety net while the IRS processes your address change. Mail forwarding typically costs a small fee and lasts for up to 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the IRS to update my address?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed forms take four to six weeks. Phone updates take effect when ready, though you may receive a confirmation letter later. If you file a tax return with your new address, it updates your address right away.

Do I need to update my address if I am not filing a tax return this year?

Yes, if the IRS owes you money (a refund from a prior year) or may send you a notice. Update it so the IRS can reach you. If you do not expect any contact from the IRS, it is less urgent, but updating it prevents problems if the IRS needs to contact you later.

Can I change my address for my spouse separately from mine?

Yes. Each person has their own address on file with the IRS. If you and your spouse have different addresses, you can update them separately using any of the three methods. If you file jointly, the IRS will use the address from your return.

What if I moved to a different state?

The process is the same. Enter your new state and ZIP code when you update your address. The IRS will update your address regardless of which state you move to. If you are moving to a state with different tax laws, you may also need to update your address with that state's tax authority separately.

Can I update my address if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you can still update your address using Form 8822 or by phone. The online method requires a Social Security number or ITIN to create an account, so if you have an ITIN, you should be able to create an account and update online as well.

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.