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 can update it when ready and see the change reflected in your account right away. If you do not have an IRS online account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires a Social Security number, date of birth, filing status from your most recent tax return, and a valid email address.

The IRS processes address changes within 4 to 6 weeks when you mail Form 8822, and phone updates take about the same time. However, if you are expecting a refund or a notice from the IRS, updating online ensures the fastest delivery to your new address. If you have already filed a return with an old address, updating it before the IRS processes your return prevents mail delays.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address online through your IRS account, by mailing Form 8822, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
  • Online updates take effect when ready, while mail and phone updates take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
  • If you do not have an IRS online account, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid email to create one.
  • Updating your address before filing your tax return prevents the IRS from sending notices and refunds to your old address.
  • If you have moved since filing, update your address as soon as possible to avoid missing important IRS correspondence.

Creating or logging into your IRS online account

Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Sign in" link in the top right corner. If you already have an account, enter your username and password. If you do not have an account, click "Create an account" and select the identity verification method that works for you—either a video call with an IRS agent or verification through a third-party service like ID.me.

The video call method takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a phone or computer with a camera, and a stable internet connection. The ID.me method is faster if you have already verified your identity with that service for another government agency. Once you are logged in, your account shows your filing history, refund status, and payment records.

Updating your address online

After you log into your IRS account, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" in the menu. Click on "Address" and enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system will ask whether this is your mailing address, residential address, or both—select the appropriate option. If you are moving temporarily, you can specify an end date for the temporary address, and the IRS will revert to your permanent address after that date.

Click "Save" or "Confirm" to complete the update. The change takes effect when ready in your online account. You will see a confirmation message on the screen, and the IRS will send a confirmation email to the address on file. Keep this email for your records. Your new address will appear on any future correspondence the IRS sends you.

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 call 1-800-829-3676 to request a copy. Fill in your name, old address, new address, and the date you moved. You must sign and date the form—unsigned forms are rejected and returned.

Mail the form to the IRS address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. The IRS provides a state-by-state mailing address list on the form. Include your Social Security number or employer identification number on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you are expecting a refund or a notice, consider using the online method instead to avoid delays.

Changing your address by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 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, such as your filing status or the amount of your last refund.

The representative will update your address in the system and provide you with a confirmation number. Write down this number for your records. The address change takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Call times are often long during tax season (January through April), so consider calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon to reduce wait time.

What to do if you have already filed with an old address

If you filed your tax return before moving, update your address when ready using any of the three methods above. The IRS will redirect mail sent to your old address if you update it before they process your return. However, if your return has already been processed and the IRS has mailed your refund to your old address, contact the post office in your old area and request mail forwarding, or ask the current resident to forward the check to you.

If you filed electronically and the IRS has not yet processed your return, updating your address online is the fastest way to may support your refund goes to the correct location. If you filed on paper and are worried the IRS received it at your old address, you can call 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the IRS has your new address on file before they process the return.

Updating your address for a business or employer identification number

If you own a business and need to change the address associated with your Employer Identification Number (EIN), the process is different from changing a personal address. You can update an EIN address by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by mailing Form 8822-B (the business version of the address change form). Form 8822-B is available on IRS.gov.

For an EIN address change, have your EIN, business name, and new business address ready. The IRS processes EIN address changes within 4 to 6 weeks by mail. If you need the change to take effect faster, call the IRS and speak with a representative who can update it over the phone, though processing still takes several weeks to complete in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online updates take effect when ready in your account. Mail and phone updates take 4 to 6 weeks to process. If you are expecting a refund or a notice, use the online method to avoid delays in receiving it at your new address.

What if I moved but do not have a permanent address yet?

You can use a temporary address (such as a friend's address or a mail forwarding service) when you update with the IRS. If your account allows it, set an end date for the temporary address, and the IRS will revert to your permanent address after that date. You can also update again once you have a permanent address.

Can I change my address if I owe the IRS money?

Yes, you can change your address regardless of whether you owe taxes. Updating your address ensures the IRS can send you notices about your payment plan or any correspondence related to your account. It does not affect your tax debt or payment obligations.

What if the IRS sent mail to my old address and I did not receive it?

Contact the post office and request mail forwarding from your old address to your new one. If the mail was a tax notice, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they have your new address and to ask them to resend the notice. Keep records of any notices you receive.

Do I need to update my address if I am filing electronically?

Yes, update your address before filing if you have moved. If you file electronically with your old address on the return, the IRS will send any correspondence to that address. Update your address in your IRS account or on the return itself before submitting it to avoid delays.