Use Form 8822-B to update your mailing address on the IRS website

The IRS lets you change your address online through their website without mailing a form or calling. You fill out Form 8822-B (Change of Address) on IRS.gov, and the change takes effect within two to four weeks. This works for individual tax returns only — if you need to change a business address, you use a different form mailed by post.

The online method is faster than mailing Form 8822-B to an IRS office, and you get a confirmation number right away so you can track the change. You do not need to create an account or log in to use the form — you can fill it out as a guest.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 8822-B is the official IRS form for changing your mailing address, and you can submit it online at IRS.gov without creating an account.
  • The online form asks for your name, Social Security number, old address, new address, and the date you moved — have these details ready before you start.
  • The IRS processes address changes within two to four weeks, so mail sent to your old address during that time may arrive late.
  • If you file a tax return before your address change is processed, use your old address on the return to avoid delays.
  • You can also mail the paper form to an IRS office, but the online method is faster and gives you a confirmation number when ready.

Where to find Form 8822-B on IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and search for "Form 8822-B" in the search box at the top of the page. The form appears in the search results as a link to the online filing tool. Click on it and you will land on the form page, where you can choose to fill it out right there in your browser.

You do not need to read or print anything. The form fills out in your web browser, and you submit it directly from the page. If you prefer to print and mail the form instead, that option is also available on the same page — but the online submission is processed faster.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you open the form: your full name as it appears on your tax return, your Social Security number, your old address (the one the IRS currently has on file), your new address, and the date you moved or plan to move. If you are changing the address for a spouse, you will need their Social Security number as well.

Have your old address written down exactly as it appears on your most recent tax return or IRS notice. If you are not sure what address the IRS has on file, check your last tax return or any letter you received from the IRS. Using the exact address prevents processing delays.

Step-by-step: filling out the form online

Open the Form 8822-B page on IRS.gov and select "Fill in Form 8822-B online." The form opens in your browser with blank fields. Start by entering your name in the first field, then your Social Security number. Next, enter your old address in the fields marked "Current address" — use the address exactly as the IRS has it on file.

In the "New address" section, type your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Then enter the date you moved or will move in the date field — use the format MM/DD/YYYY. If you are also changing the address for a spouse, check the box for "Spouse" and fill in their name and Social Security number in the fields that appear.

At the bottom of the form, you will see a box asking whether this is a permanent move or a temporary one. Select "Permanent" unless you are moving for a set period and plan to return to your old address. Once all fields are filled, click the "Submit" button.

What happens after you submit

The IRS displays a confirmation number on your screen when ready after you submit the form. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it if you want to check the status of your address change later. The confirmation page also shows the date you submitted the form and the address change you requested.

The IRS processes the change within two to four weeks. During that time, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there, so check with your mail carrier or the post office about mail forwarding if you want to be safe. If you file a tax return during the processing period, use your old address on the return to avoid confusion.

If you need to check the status of your change

You can check whether your address change has been processed by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. The IRS representative can tell you whether the change is still being processed or whether it has been completed.

You can also wait to see if IRS mail starts arriving at your new address. Once you receive a notice or letter at the new address, you know the change has taken effect. This usually happens within four weeks of submission.

When to use the paper form instead

If you are changing a business address, you cannot use Form 8822-B — businesses use Form 8822 instead, which must be mailed. If you are changing the address for a deceased person's tax return, you also need to mail the form with a copy of the death certificate.

If you have trouble accessing the online form or your internet connection is unreliable, you can print Form 8822-B and mail it to the IRS office that serves your area. The IRS address for your region appears on the form itself. Mailing takes longer — usually four to six weeks — but it is an option if the online method does not work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I already filed my tax return with my old address?

You do not need to file an amended return just to change your address. The IRS will update your file when they process Form 8822-B, and future mail will go to your new address. If you filed before submitting the address change, the IRS may send your refund or notices to your old address, so monitor that mailbox or set up mail forwarding.

How long does it take for the address change to show up?

The IRS processes address changes within two to four weeks. During that time, some mail may still go to your old address. Once the change is processed, all future IRS mail goes to your new address. You can call 1-800-829-1040 with your confirmation number to check the status.

Can I change my address if I do not have my Social Security number handy?

No, the form requires your Social Security number to match your identity with the IRS records. If you do not have it available, wait until you can locate it before filling out the form. You can find your Social Security number on a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card.

What if I move again before the first address change is processed?

You can submit another Form 8822-B with your new address. The IRS will process the most recent change. To avoid confusion, wait until the first change is processed (check with your confirmation number) before submitting a second one, but you can submit a new form anytime if you move again.

Does changing my address online affect my state tax return?

No, Form 8822-B only updates your address with the federal IRS. You will need to contact your state tax agency separately to change your address for state tax purposes. Most states have their own address-change forms or online tools on their tax department websites.