How to Change Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to change your IRS address

You can change your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822, Address Change, or by updating it online through your IRS account if you have one set up. The IRS processes address changes within four weeks, though mail sent to your old address may still arrive for a few months after you move. If you need the change to take effect before you file your next return, send Form 8822 by mail rather than waiting — online updates sometimes take longer to sync across IRS systems.

The online method works only if you have already created an IRS account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a valid email address, and identity verification. If you do not have an account or prefer not to create one, mailing Form 8822 is the standard route and reaches the IRS in the same timeframe.

Key Takeaways

Form 8822 is the official document for address changes and can be mailed to the IRS service center that handles your state, or filed online through your IRS account.
The IRS takes about four weeks to process an address change, so file it as soon as you know your new address to avoid delays on refunds or notices.
If you file jointly with a spouse, both of you must sign Form 8822, and you can change both addresses on a single form.
Mail sent to your old address may still arrive for several months, so contact your post office about mail forwarding at the same time you notify the IRS.

Filing Form 8822 by mail

read Form 8822 from IRS.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your name, Social Security number or ITIN, old address, and new address. If you are filing jointly, both spouses must sign the form. Mail it to the IRS service center for your state — the form itself lists the correct address on the back, or you can find it on IRS.gov by entering your state.

The IRS recommends mailing Form 8822 at least four weeks before you expect to file your next tax return or before you expect to receive a refund. If you are moving mid-year and expect a refund or a notice from the IRS, file the form when ready. Keep a copy for your records.

If you are moving to a different state, double-check the mailing address on the back of Form 8822 — each state has its own service center, and sending the form to the wrong one delays processing. The form lists all state addresses, or you can call 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the correct center for your new state.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Log in to your IRS account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number or ITIN, email address, and a password you create. Once logged in, select "Profile" or "Account Settings" and look for the address section. Enter your new address and save the change. The IRS will send a confirmation email to the address on file.

Online updates can take longer to appear across all IRS systems than mailed forms do, so if you need the change to take effect quickly — for example, before you file a return or expect a refund — mailing Form 8822 is more reliable. If you do not have an IRS account yet, you can create one at IRS.gov, but the process requires identity verification and may take a few days to complete.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

The IRS may continue to send mail to your old address for several months after you file an address change, because notices and correspondence are often generated automatically before the address update reaches that part of the system. The best protection is to set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service at the same time you notify the IRS. Mail forwarding is free and typically lasts for 12 months.

If you receive a notice or refund check at your old address after you have moved, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it. They can reissue the check or notice to your new address. Keep the original envelope if you receive mail at your old address — it may contain important information about important date or required actions.

Changing your address for a joint return

If you file jointly with a spouse, both of you must sign Form 8822 to change the address on your joint account. You can change both addresses on a single form. If you are filing separately or have separate accounts with the IRS, each person must file their own Form 8822.

If you and your spouse are moving to different addresses, you will need to file separate forms — one for each person with their own new address. The IRS will then maintain separate addresses for each account, and future correspondence may go to different locations.

Timing and what to expect

The IRS processes address changes within four weeks of receiving Form 8822 or processing your online update. During that time, mail sent to your old address may still arrive. If you are expecting a refund or a specific notice, file the address change as soon as you know your new address — do not wait until after you move.

If you file a return with your new address before the IRS has processed your address change form, the IRS will use the address on your return instead. This is usually the fastest way to may support the correct address is on file, especially if you are filing close to a important date.

Changing your address for a business or self-employment account

If you are self-employed or own a business, you may have a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN) account with the IRS. Address changes for an EIN are filed on Form 8822-B, Business Address Change, not Form 8822. read Form 8822-B from IRS.gov and mail it to the same service center address you would use for Form 8822, based on your state.

The person authorized to sign for the business must sign Form 8822-B. If you have both a personal account and a business account, you will need to file both Form 8822 and Form 8822-B to change the address on both.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The IRS typically processes address changes within four weeks of receiving Form 8822 or processing an online update. Mail sent to your old address may still arrive during this time, so set up mail forwarding with the post office at the same time.

Can I change my address by phone or email?

No. The IRS only accepts address changes through Form 8822 by mail, through your online IRS account, or through Form 8822-B for business accounts. You cannot change your address by calling the IRS or sending an email.

What if I file my tax return before my address change is processed?

If you file a return with your new address before the IRS processes your address change form, the address on your return will be used. This is actually the fastest way to update your address if you are filing close to a important date.

Do I need to notify the IRS if I move within the same city?

Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or ZIP code should be reported to the IRS using Form 8822. This ensures the IRS has your correct address for all future correspondence and refunds.

What if my spouse and I are moving to different addresses?

Each person must file a separate Form 8822 with their own new address. The IRS will maintain separate addresses for each account, and future mail will go to the address on file for each person.

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.