How to Notify the IRS of an Address Change

The fastest way to tell the IRS about a new address

The IRS has three main ways to record a new address: online through your account on IRS.gov, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone if you have a pending case. The online method is fastest—changes appear in the IRS system within 24 hours. If you file taxes, updating your address before you file your next return is the simplest approach, since the address on your return becomes your official record with the IRS.

You do not need to notify the IRS when ready after moving. However, if you expect a refund, a notice, or correspondence about a tax issue, updating your address beforehand prevents mail from going to your old address and delays in receiving important documents.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address online at IRS.gov using your login credentials, and the change takes effect within 24 hours.
Form 8822 (Change of Address) can be mailed to the IRS address listed on the form itself, and takes two to four weeks to process.
If you file taxes yourself, straightforward listing your new address on your next return updates your IRS record without a separate form.
If the IRS has already sent mail to your old address, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request they resend it to your new location.

Updating your address online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and sign in to your account using your username and password, or create one if you do not have an account yet. Once logged in, look for the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section—the exact label varies depending on which IRS tool you are using. Select the option to update your address and enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.

After you submit the change, the IRS confirms it on screen. The update appears in the IRS system within 24 hours. This method works for individual taxpayers and is the fastest option available. You do not need to mail anything or wait on hold with the IRS.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for notifying them of an address change. You can read it from IRS.gov, print it, fill it out by hand or type, and mail it to the address shown on the form itself. The form asks for your name, old address, new address, and the date you moved. You do not need to sign it, though doing so does not hurt.

Mail the form to the IRS service center that handles your state. The IRS lists the correct address on the form itself—do not guess or use a general IRS address, as the form may not reach the right office. Processing takes two to four weeks. If you are in a hurry, use the online method instead.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you are changing the address for a business or partnership, use Form 8822-B instead of Form 8822.

Updating your address when you file your tax return

If you have not yet filed your next tax return, the simplest approach is to list your new address on the return itself. The address you enter on your return becomes your official address with the IRS—no separate form is needed. This works whether you file on paper or electronically.

This method is convenient if you are already preparing your return, but it only works if you have not filed yet. Once you file, the address on that return is locked in. If you move again before filing, update your address online or by mail first, then file with the new address on your return.

What to do if mail has already gone to your old address

If the IRS has already mailed something to your old address before you notified them of the change, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 during business hours. Tell them your old address, new address, and what document you are expecting. The IRS can resend the mail to your new location, though this may add a week or two to delivery time.

If you have a forwarding address on file with the U.S. Postal Service, some IRS mail will be forwarded automatically. However, not all IRS documents are forwarded—tax notices and refund checks sometimes are not. Updating your address with the IRS directly is more reliable than relying on postal forwarding alone.

Updating your address for a tax professional or power of attorney

If a tax professional, accountant, or attorney represents you before the IRS, they can update your address on your behalf using Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative). Your representative files the form with the IRS, and it updates your address in their system.

This is useful if you have an ongoing case with the IRS or if your representative is already handling correspondence for you. You can also authorize your representative to receive copies of IRS mail sent to you, so they see notices at the same time you do.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes take effect within 24 hours. Mail takes two to four weeks. If you are expecting a refund or a notice about a tax issue, update your address at least one week before you expect the mail to arrive—though sooner is better. The IRS processes millions of pieces of mail, and address changes do not always reach all departments at the same speed.

After you update your address, the IRS sends a confirmation letter to your new address within two weeks. This letter confirms the change was received. Keep it for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within three weeks, contact the IRS to verify the change went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to notify the IRS if I move?

You do not have to, but you should if you expect a refund, a tax notice, or correspondence about your account. If you file your next return with your new address, that updates your record. The main risk of not updating is that important mail reaches your old address and you miss it.

Can I change my address by phone?

The IRS does not allow address changes by phone for routine updates. However, if you have an active case or audit, the agent handling your case can update your address during your conversation. For routine changes, use the online method or mail Form 8822.

What if I moved to a different state?

The process is the same. Enter your new state and ZIP code when you update online or on Form 8822. The IRS will route your mail to the correct service center for your new state automatically.

How long does it take for the IRS to send mail to my new address after I update it?

Mail sent after your address change takes the normal time—usually one to two weeks. However, mail that was already in the system before your change may still go to your old address. If you are expecting something specific, update your address at least one week before you expect it to arrive.

What if I filed my return with the wrong address by mistake?

Update your address online or by mail right away. The IRS will use the most recent address on file for future correspondence. If a refund or notice was already mailed to the wrong address, call 800-829-1040 and ask them to resend it to your correct address.

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.