How to Change Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to update your IRS address

You can change your address with the IRS in three ways: online through your IRS account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can update it in minutes if you have an IRS online account set up. If you do not have an account yet, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the address on your most recent tax return.

The IRS does not automatically update your address when you move. If you file taxes, receive refunds, or have an outstanding balance, you need to tell them your new address yourself. Sending in a tax return with your new address will update it, but that only happens once a year. If you need the change to take effect right away — because you are expecting a refund check, a notice, or a payment plan letter — use one of the three methods below.

Key Takeaways

Creating an IRS online account at IRS.gov takes about 10 minutes and lets you change your address when ready without calling or mailing anything.
If you call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status ready, and the change takes effect in one business day.
Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS address for your state takes two to four weeks but works if you cannot use the phone or online methods.
The IRS will not update your address based on a change-of-address form filed with the post office — you must tell them directly.
If you are married and file jointly, both spouses can have different addresses on file, but the IRS will use the primary taxpayer's address for official mail.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" in the upper right. If you do not have an account, choose "Create an account" and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status from your last return, and the address on that return. The IRS will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax history or by sending a code to your email or phone.

Once you are signed in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" — the exact wording changes, but it is always in the top menu. Select "Address" and enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready. You will see a confirmation message on screen and can print or save it. This method works even on weekends and outside business hours.

If you cannot remember your filing status or the exact address from your last return, the IRS will ask you security questions instead. Answer them honestly — they pull from your credit history and tax records. If you fail the verification step, you can try again the next day or use the phone method instead.

Changing your address by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have ready your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the address on your most recent tax return. The wait time varies by season — it is shortest in summer and longest in January through April. The IRS estimates 15 to 30 minutes on hold during busy periods.

Tell the representative you need to change your address. They will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax return or recent correspondence from the IRS. Once verified, they will ask for your new address and confirm it back to you. The change takes effect the next business day. Ask the representative to note in your file that you called, in case there are any delays with mail already in transit.

If you reach a representative who cannot help you, ask to be transferred to the address change department. Do not hang up and call back — the next representative will have to verify you again, and you will wait on hold twice.

Mailing Form 8822 to update your address

read Form 8822 from IRS.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your name, Social Security number, old address, and new address. Sign and date it. You do not need to include a copy of your tax return or any other documents.

Mail the form to the IRS address for your state. The IRS publishes a list of state-specific addresses on the Form 8822 instructions page. If you mail it to the wrong address, it will be forwarded, but the process takes longer. The change takes effect two to four weeks after the IRS receives it. Do not mail it certified or registered — regular mail is fine and actually faster because it does not require a signature.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you are filing a joint return, both spouses can sign the form if you both want to change your address, or one spouse can sign to change only their address.

What happens to mail already sent to your old address

The post office will forward mail to your new address for up to 12 months if you filed a change-of-address form with them. However, the IRS does not use the post office's forwarding service — they mail directly. If the IRS sends something to your old address before your address change takes effect, it will not be forwarded automatically.

This is why updating your address as soon as you move matters. If you are expecting a refund check or a notice about an audit or payment plan, update your address before those items are mailed. If you have already moved and realize the IRS may have sent something to your old address, contact the new resident or the post office to ask if they received any IRS mail. You can also call the IRS to ask whether a specific notice or check has been mailed and to what address.

Changing your address if you filed jointly

If you file taxes with a spouse, you can each have a different address on file with the IRS. The IRS will use the primary taxpayer's address (the one listed first on the return) for official correspondence. If you want to change only your address and keep your spouse's address the same, sign Form 8822 yourself and mail it in. The IRS will update only your address.

If you both want to change your address to the same new location, either spouse can sign and mail the form. If you are separating and want different addresses, both of you should submit separate forms with your own new addresses. The IRS will process both and use the primary taxpayer's address for joint correspondence and the secondary taxpayer's address for any correspondence addressed to them alone.

Updating your address for a business or self-employment tax account

If you have a business Employer Identification Number (EIN) or file self-employment taxes, you change your address through a different process. For an EIN, you can update your address online through the IRS Business Services Online account, by phone at 1-800-829-4933, or by mailing Form 8822-B. The process is the same as for personal taxes, but the form is different.

If you have employees and file payroll taxes, changing your address also updates the address on file for your business. Make sure the address you provide is where the IRS should send notices about payroll tax deposits, penalties, or audits. If you have multiple locations, use the address of your main office or the address where you keep your payroll records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online and phone changes take effect within one business day. Mail takes two to four weeks from the date the IRS receives it. If you are expecting a refund or notice, update your address at least one week before you think it will be mailed.

Will the IRS update my address if I file a tax return with my new address?

Yes, but only after they process your return, which can take several weeks. If you need the change to take effect sooner, use the online, phone, or mail methods instead. Filing a return with your new address is not fast enough if you are expecting a refund or notice before tax season ends.

What if I moved but do not file taxes?

If you do not file taxes but receive notices from the IRS about a balance owed, a payment plan, or an audit, you should still update your address. Call 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you do not file but need to change your address on file. Have your Social Security number and the address the IRS has for you ready.

Can I change my address on the IRS website if I do not have an account yet?

No, you must create an account first. Creating one takes about 10 minutes. If you cannot create an account because you cannot verify your identity online, call 1-800-829-1040 or mail Form 8822 instead.

What if the IRS sent a notice to my old address and I never received it?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you moved and did not receive a notice. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you what was mailed, when, and to what address. They can also remail the notice to your new address or read the contents to you over the phone.

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.