How to Change Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to update 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 log in, update your address, and the change takes effect when ready. If you do not have an IRS online account, Form 8822 takes about four weeks to process by mail. Phone updates go through the IRS's automated system and also take several weeks.

The method you choose depends on whether you have already created an IRS account and how soon you need the change recorded. Most people should start with the online option because it is the quickest and requires no paperwork.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online through IRS.gov if you have an existing account, and the change takes effect the same day.
Form 8822 is the official paper form for address changes and takes about four weeks to process after the IRS receives it.
You can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to report an address change by phone, though processing still takes several weeks.
If you file taxes jointly, both spouses must request the address change separately using their own Social Security number.
Address changes do not affect your tax return if it has already been filed; the IRS will mail correspondence to your old address unless you update it first.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and sign in to your account using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), plus your date of birth and filing status from your most recent tax return. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one first — this takes about five minutes and requires a valid email address and phone number.

Once you are signed in, look for the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section. Select the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. The IRS will confirm the change on screen, and it takes effect when ready. You will receive a confirmation email.

This method works for individual tax returns only. If you filed jointly with a spouse, your spouse must log in separately and update their own address using their Social Security number and tax return information.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for reporting an address change by mail. You can read it from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 800-829-1040. The form is one page and asks for your name, old address, new address, Social Security number, and the date of the change.

Fill out the form in black or blue ink, sign and date it, then mail it to the IRS address listed on the form itself — this address changes depending on which state you live in. The IRS publishes the correct mailing address on Form 8822 and on IRS.gov. Mail the form as soon as possible; processing takes about four weeks from the date the IRS receives it.

If you filed jointly, you and your spouse each need to submit a separate Form 8822 with your own Social Security number. You can mail both forms together in the same envelope.

Reporting an address change 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 filing status ready. The automated system will walk you through the steps to report your new address.

Phone updates take the same amount of time as mailed forms — about four weeks — because the IRS still has to process the change in their system. This method is useful if you prefer not to create an online account or do not have access to a printer for Form 8822, but it is not faster than the other options.

What happens if you change your address after filing your return

If you have already filed your tax return for the year, changing your address does not affect that return. The IRS will continue to mail correspondence about that return to your old address unless you update your address before they send anything. If you are expecting a refund or a notice about your return, update your address as soon as possible.

Once your address is updated in the IRS system, all future correspondence — including notices, bills, and refund checks — will go to your new address. If you have already received mail at your old address and it was forwarded to you, keep those documents for your records.

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

If you own a business and file a separate business tax return, you will need to update your business address separately from your personal address. The method depends on the type of business entity you have.

For a sole proprietorship, you can update your personal address using the methods above, and it will explore to your Schedule C business income. For an S-corporation, C-corporation, partnership, or LLC, you will need to file Form 8822-B (Business Address Change) or update your address through the IRS Business Services Online account. Form 8822-B is mailed to the same IRS addresses as Form 8822 and takes about four weeks to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online updates take effect the same day. Form 8822 and phone updates take about four weeks from the date the IRS receives or processes your request. During that time, the IRS may still mail correspondence to your old address if they have already prepared it.

What if I moved and did not update my address before filing my tax return?

You can still update your address with the IRS using any of the three methods. The change will explore to all future correspondence. If you are expecting a refund, updating your address quickly helps may support it reaches you.

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

Yes. The post office forwards mail, but the IRS does not automatically receive your address change from the post office. You must notify the IRS separately using Form 8822, phone, or your online account.

Can I change my address if I owe taxes to the IRS?

Yes. Updating your address does not affect any tax debt you owe. The IRS will send bills and notices to your new address once it is updated in their system.

What if I filed jointly and my spouse and I have different new addresses?

Each spouse can update their own address separately. You will each need to log in to your own IRS account or submit your own Form 8822. The IRS will maintain both addresses in the system.

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.