How to Update Your Address With the IRS

The IRS needs your current address to send tax documents and notices

You can change your address with the IRS in three ways: by mail using Form 8822, online through your IRS account, or by phone. The method you choose depends on whether you have an IRS online account set up and how quickly you need the change recorded. Mail is the slowest but requires no account. The online method is fastest if you already have login credentials. Phone is an option if you prefer speaking to someone, though wait times vary.

The address change applies to all your tax accounts and takes effect within 4 to 6 weeks by mail, or immediately if you use the online portal. If you file jointly, only the primary taxpayer can make the change online; both spouses can request it by mail or phone.

Key Takeaways

Form 8822 (Change of Address) mailed to the IRS service center for your state is the most reliable method and requires no online account.
If you have an IRS account through IRS.gov, you can update your address online and see the change take effect immediately.
Calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 works, but expect hold times of 30 minutes to several hours depending on the season.
The address change covers all your tax records, including prior-year returns and future correspondence, and applies to both individual and business accounts if you have them.
If you move before filing your return, update your address before you file so the IRS sends your refund or notices to the correct location.

Updating your address online through IRS.gov

The online method is the fastest if you already have an IRS account. Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" in the upper right corner. You can sign in using your Social Security number and either a self-created IRS username or credentials from Login.gov, Google, or Apple ID.

Once logged in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" (the exact label varies by browser). Select "Address" and enter your new address. The system will confirm the change immediately, and it takes effect right away in the IRS system. You will receive a confirmation email. This method works only if you are the primary taxpayer on a joint return; spouses must use Form 8822 or phone to request a change.

If you do not have an IRS account, you can create one at IRS.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and either a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will also need to verify your identity through a third-party service like ID.me or Login.gov.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822 (Change of Address) is a one-page form you can download from IRS.gov or request by phone. Fill in your name, Social Security number, old address, and new address. Sign and date it. You do not need to attach documents or explain why you moved.

Mail the form to the IRS service center that handles returns for your state. The address depends on your state and whether you are filing as an individual or business owner. The IRS website lists the correct mailing address for each state under "Where to File." Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the IRS received it, though this is not required.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. During that time, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there. If you are expecting a refund or tax notice, consider having mail forwarded through the U.S. Postal Service as a backup. You can set up mail forwarding online at USPS.com or at your local post office.

Changing your address 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, current address, and new address ready. The representative will update your account over the phone and provide a confirmation number.

Wait times are typically shortest in early morning hours and longest during tax season (January through April). If you call during peak times, expect to wait 30 minutes to over an hour. The IRS does not offer callback options, so you will need to stay on the line.

What happens if you move before filing your tax return

If you have not yet filed your return for the year and you move, update your address with the IRS before you file. This ensures your refund or any IRS notices go to your new address. When you file your return, the address you list on the return itself should match the address you have registered with the IRS.

If you file your return before updating your address with the IRS, the IRS will mail your refund to the address on your return. You can then file Form 8822 to update your address for future correspondence. If your refund is delayed or lost in the mail, you can check the status on IRS.gov using "Where's My Refund?" and request a reissue if needed.

Updating a business address or EIN account

If you own a business and have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can change the business address through a separate process. You can update the address online if you have an IRS business account (accessed through IRS.gov with your EIN), by mail using Form 8822-B (Change of Address for Business), or by phone at 800-829-1040.

Form 8822-B is mailed to the same service center as Form 8822. The process and timeline are the same: 4 to 6 weeks by mail, immediate if online. If you have both a personal tax account and a business account, you must update the address separately for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

By mail, 4 to 6 weeks. Online through IRS.gov, the change takes effect immediately. By phone, the change is recorded that day, though it may take a few days to appear in all IRS systems. If you are expecting a refund or notice, assume the old address is still active for at least two weeks after you request the change.

Can I change my address if I file jointly with a spouse?

Only the primary taxpayer can change the address online. Both spouses can request a change by mailing Form 8822 or calling 800-829-1040. The change applies to both spouses' accounts. If only one spouse has moved, you can still update the joint account address; the IRS does not track separate addresses for each spouse on a joint return.

What if I moved but have not filed my return yet?

Update your address with the IRS before you file. When you file your return, use the new address on the return itself. This ensures your refund goes to the correct location. If you file before updating your address, the IRS will send your refund to the address on your return, and you can update your address afterward for future notices.

Do I need to notify the IRS if I move temporarily?

No. The IRS address change is permanent until you change it again. If you are moving temporarily (for example, for a job or school), you can use mail forwarding through the U.S. Postal Service instead. This way, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your temporary address without notifying the IRS.

What if I submitted Form 8822 but have not received confirmation?

The IRS does not send a separate confirmation letter for Form 8822 unless you request one. If you mailed it with certified mail, the return receipt proves the IRS received it. You can verify the address change took effect by logging into your IRS account online or calling 800-829-1040 to confirm your address on file.

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.