How to Update Your Address With the IRS

The fastest way to change your address with the IRS

You can change your address with the IRS online through your account on IRS.gov, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone if you call the IRS directly. The online method is fastest — your address updates in your IRS account immediately, though it may take up to 30 days to appear in all IRS systems. If you file taxes, changing your address before you file your next return is simpler than correcting it after.

The IRS tracks your address for tax returns, refunds, notices, and payment records. If you move and do not update it, the IRS may send notices to your old address, your refund may be delayed, and you might miss important deadlines. The method you choose depends on whether you have an online IRS account and how soon you need the change recorded.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online through IRS.gov if you have an account, by mailing Form 8822 to the IRS, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Online updates take effect immediately in your IRS account but may take up to 30 days to sync across all IRS systems.
If you file a tax return, listing your current address on the return itself is the most reliable way to update your records.
Form 8822 must be mailed to a specific IRS address that depends on your state; sending it to the wrong address delays processing.
The IRS does not charge a fee to change your address through any method.

Changing your address online through IRS.gov

If you have an IRS online account, you can log in and update your address yourself. Go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in" at the top right, and choose how you want to verify your identity — you can use an existing IRS account, a Social Security number, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" and select the option to update your address.

Your address will update in your IRS account right away, but it can take up to 30 days for the change to reach all IRS databases. This delay matters if you are expecting a refund or a notice in the mail. If you file a tax return before the 30 days are up, put your new address on the return itself — that will update your records faster than waiting for the online change to process.

If you do not have an IRS online account yet, you can create one during the login process. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status from your most recent tax return, and a valid email address.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for changing your address. You can download it from IRS.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your name, old address, new address, and the date of the change. You do not need to explain why you moved.

The address where you mail Form 8822 depends on your state. The form itself lists the correct mailing address for each state in the instructions. Sending it to the wrong address will delay processing. Mail the form to the IRS office for your state, and keep a copy for your records. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days.

You can also file Form 8822 electronically through a tax professional or software if you use a paid tax preparation service, though most people mail it. If you are filing a tax return soon, it is usually faster to just put your new address on the return than to file Form 8822 separately.

Calling the IRS to update your address by phone

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) and ask to update your address over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and both your old and new addresses ready. The representative will verify your identity and make the change in the system.

Phone lines are often busy, especially during tax season (January through April). Wait times can be long. If you reach someone, the address change is recorded immediately, though it may take 30 days to appear everywhere. This method works well if you prefer speaking to a person or if you do not have internet access.

Updating your address when you file your tax return

If you are filing a tax return, the simplest and most reliable way to update your address is to put your current address on the return itself. The IRS will use the address on your return to update your records, and this happens faster than other methods because your return is processed right away.

If you file electronically, enter your new address in the address field on your return. If you mail a paper return, write your new address in the top left corner of the form. Do this even if you have already tried to update your address another way — the return address is the official record.

This approach only works if you are actually filing a return. If you do not file taxes that year, use one of the other methods above.

What happens if the IRS sends mail to your old address

If you moved and the IRS sends a notice or refund to your old address before your change takes effect, the mail may be returned to the IRS as undeliverable. The IRS will hold the mail for a period and may try to contact you by phone or email if they have that information on file.

If you know the IRS has sent something to your old address, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain the situation. Have the notice number or description of what was sent ready. The IRS can reissue a refund or resend a notice to your new address. If a refund was sent to your old address and you do not receive it within 21 days of the original mailing date, you can file a claim for the refund.

Changing your address for a business or employer tax account

If you own a business or have an employer identification number (EIN), you update your address differently than you do for personal taxes. You can change a business address online through the IRS Business Services Online account, by mailing Form 8822-B, or by calling the IRS Business Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Form 8822-B is the business version of the address change form. The process and timing are similar to Form 8822 for individuals — mail it to the IRS office for your state, and allow 30 to 60 days for processing. If you have both a personal and business address on file with the IRS, you may need to update both separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online updates show in your IRS account immediately but take up to 30 days to sync across all IRS systems. Form 8822 by mail takes 30 to 60 days. Phone updates are recorded right away but may take 30 days to appear everywhere. If you file a tax return with your new address, that updates your records fastest.

Do I need to update my address if I file taxes electronically?

Yes. Put your current address on your tax return even if you file electronically. The address on your return is what the IRS uses to update your official records. This is the most reliable way to make sure your address is correct.

What if I moved but do not file taxes?

You can still update your address with the IRS using Form 8822, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or online through your IRS account. You do not have to file a tax return to change your address. The online method is fastest if you have an account.

Can I change my address for someone else's tax account?

No. Only the person whose name is on the account can change the address, or someone with power of attorney on file with the IRS. If you are helping a family member, they will need to make the change themselves or give you written authorization through Form 2848.

Is there a fee to change my address with the IRS?

No. The IRS does not charge any fee to update your address through any method — online, by mail, or by 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.