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 in three ways: online through your IRS account, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone. The online method is fastest—you can update it in minutes if you already have an IRS online account set up. If you do not have an account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the prior-year tax return amount.

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, important mail may go to your old address, and you might miss important date or not receive refunds. The address change takes effect when ready online, but by mail it can take 30 days.

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 account change takes effect right away, while a mailed form takes about 30 days to process.
Form 8822 must be signed and mailed to the IRS address listed on the form itself, not to your local tax office.
If you file taxes jointly, both spouses can update the address, but only one signature is required on Form 8822.
The IRS will not update your address based on mail forwarding alone—you must notify them directly.

Changing your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in to your account" in the upper right. If you do not have an account, click "Create an account" and follow the prompts. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the adjusted gross income (AGI) amount from your most recent tax return. The IRS will verify your identity by asking security questions or sending a code to your phone or email.

Once you are signed in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" and select the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check the spelling and ZIP code—errors can delay mail. Click "Save" or "Confirm," and the change takes effect when ready. You will see a confirmation message on screen. Print or save this confirmation for your records.

This method works best if you have already filed a tax return with the IRS. If you have never filed, you cannot create an online account, and you will need to use Form 8822 or call instead.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for address changes. You can read it free from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 800-829-1040. The form is one page and takes about five minutes to fill out.

On the form, enter your name, old address, and new address. Check the box that says "Individual" unless you are changing the address for a business or estate. Sign and date the form—if you file jointly, both spouses can sign, but only one signature is required. Do not use a business address unless you are self-employed and want IRS mail sent there.

Mail the signed form to the IRS address listed on the form itself. The address depends on which state you live in—the form includes a table showing the correct mailing address for each state. Mail it to that address, not to your local IRS office. The change takes about 30 days to process. If you need the change faster, use the online method instead.

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, date of birth, and new address ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax return, then update your address in their system.

Phone lines are busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The address change takes effect the same day, though it may take a few days to show up in your online account.

What happens if you move but do not update your address

The IRS will continue to mail notices and refunds to your old address. If you have mail forwarding set up with the post office, some mail will reach you, but the IRS does not automatically update based on forwarding. Important notices about tax bills, audits, or refunds may arrive late or not at all.

If you miss a important date because mail went to your old address, you can contact the IRS and explain the situation. They may grant relief from penalties if you can show the delay was not your fault. However, it is much simpler to update your address before you move or as soon as you move.

Updating your address for a business or self-employed income

If you are self-employed or own a business, you may need to update your address in a different way. For a sole proprietorship, Form 8822 works the same way as for individuals. For an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you will need to file Form 8822-B instead, which is the business version.

You can also update a business address online if you have an IRS online account linked to your business. The process is the same as updating a personal address. If you are unsure which form to use, call 800-829-1040 and ask—the IRS can tell you based on your business structure.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Do not assume the post office will notify the IRS of your move. Mail forwarding is separate from your IRS address, and the IRS will not update automatically. Do not mail Form 8822 to your local tax office or to the address on your tax return—use only the address listed on the form itself, which varies by state.

Do not include apartment or unit numbers in a way that confuses the address. Write "123 Main Street, Apt 4B" clearly, not "123 Main St Apt 4B" or "123 Main Street #4B"—different formats can cause mail delivery problems. If you are moving to a rural area with a PO box, use the PO box as your mailing address, not a street address that may not receive mail.

Do not expect the change to take effect when ready if you mail the form. Plan for 30 days and update your address online or by phone if you need it changed faster. If you are expecting a refund, update your address before the IRS mails the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed Form 8822 takes about 30 days. Phone updates take effect the same day, though it may take a few days to appear in your online account. If you are expecting a refund or notice, update your address as soon as possible.

Can I change my address if I owe taxes?

Yes. Changing your address does not affect your tax debt or payment plan. The IRS will send notices about what you owe to your new address. If you have a payment plan, update your address so you do not miss payment reminders.

Do I need to update my address if I file taxes online?

Yes. Your filing address and your mailing address are separate. Even if you file electronically, the IRS will mail notices, refunds, and correspondence to the address on file. Update it if you have moved.

What if I do not know my adjusted gross income for the online form?

Check your most recent tax return—the AGI is on the first page. If you cannot find it, call 800-829-1040 and ask the IRS to help you verify your identity another way, or use Form 8822 instead.

Can I change my address for a joint return if my spouse does not want to?

Yes. Either spouse can update the address on a joint return. Only one signature is required on Form 8822. If you use the online method, you can update it with your own account credentials.

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.