How to Update Your Business Address With the IRS

The IRS needs your current business address on file so they can send notices, bills, and correspondence to the right place

You can change your business address with the IRS by submitting Form 8822-B (Change of Address), which takes about four weeks to process by mail. If you file taxes electronically or use a tax professional, you can update your address through your online account or ask your representative to file the form for you. The form itself is free and available on the IRS website.

The method you use depends on how you file and how quickly you need the change recorded. A paper form works but is slower. An online account update is faster if you have one set up. A tax professional can handle it as part of their normal filing process.

Key Takeaways

Form 8822-B is the official document the IRS uses to record a business address change, and you can file it by mail or through an online account.
If you use a tax professional or payroll service, ask them to file the form as part of your regular tax work rather than doing it yourself.
Address changes by mail typically take four weeks; online updates through your IRS account are faster but require prior registration.
The IRS will continue sending mail to your old address until the form is processed, so notify your landlord or mail forwarding service to avoid missing notices.
If you have an EIN (Employer Identification Number), the address change applies to that account; if you file as a sole proprietor under your Social Security number, the change applies to your personal tax account.

Filing Form 8822-B by Mail

Download Form 8822-B from IRS.gov or request a copy by phone at 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your name, current EIN or Social Security number, old address, and new address. Sign and date the form. Mail it to the IRS address listed on the form itself, which varies by region — the form includes a mailing address table based on your state.

Processing takes roughly four weeks from the date the IRS receives it. During that time, the IRS may still send mail to your old address. If you are concerned about missing notices, set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service or ask someone at your old location to collect mail and forward it to you.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. You do not need to notify the IRS by phone or email separately; the form is the official notification.

Updating Your Address Online

If you have an IRS online account (through IRS.gov), you can update your address directly without filing a form. Log in to your account, go to the profile or settings section, and change your business address. The change typically appears in the IRS system within one to two business days.

To create an IRS online account, you will need your Social Security number or EIN, a valid email address, and a phone number. The IRS will verify your identity before granting access. Once your account is active, you can update your address, view transcripts, and check the status of refunds or payments.

Online updates are faster than mailing a form, but not all business types have access to this feature. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations can usually update online, but some specialized entities may need to use the paper form instead.

Using a Tax Professional or Payroll Service

If you work with a CPA, tax attorney, or payroll company, ask them to file Form 8822-B on your behalf when you notify them of the move. Many tax professionals file this form as a routine part of their service and can do it faster than you can by mail. They may also file it electronically through their IRS account, which speeds up processing.

Provide your tax professional with your old address, new address, and EIN or Social Security number. They will handle the filing and keep a record of when it was submitted. This is often the easiest route if you already have someone managing your taxes.

What Happens to Your Old Address During the Change

The IRS will continue sending mail to your old address until Form 8822-B is fully processed, which can take four weeks or longer. This means you may miss time-sensitive notices, bills, or correspondence if you do not arrange to receive mail at your old location.

Set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service for at least 60 days after you move. Ask the person or business at your old address to collect IRS mail and forward it to you, or check if your landlord or property manager will hold mail for you. If you miss a notice and the IRS takes action (such as filing a lien or levy), you may have limited time to respond, so staying aware of incoming mail is important.

Changing Your Address for Payroll and Employment Tax Accounts

If you have employees and file payroll taxes, your business address change affects your EIN account. Form 8822-B updates the address on file for all tax types associated with that EIN, including income tax, payroll tax, and excise tax accounts.

If you use a payroll service like ADP, Gusto, or Paychex, notify them of your address change as well. They may need to update their records separately from the IRS, and some payroll services can file the IRS form for you. Check with your payroll provider about their process.

If you are a sole proprietor without employees, your address change applies only to your personal income tax account, not to a separate business account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

By mail, Form 8822-B typically takes four weeks from the date received. Online updates through your IRS account are faster, usually one to two business days. If a tax professional files it electronically, processing may be quicker, but you should assume four weeks as a safe estimate.

Do I need to file Form 8822-B if I already updated my address with my state tax agency?

Yes. State tax agencies and the IRS maintain separate records. Updating your address with your state does not automatically update it with the IRS. You must file Form 8822-B with the federal IRS to change your federal tax records.

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

You can use a temporary address, a mail forwarding service address, or a PO box on Form 8822-B. Once you have a permanent address, file another Form 8822-B to update it again. The IRS will use whatever address is most recently on file.

Can I change my address over the phone?

No. The IRS does not process address changes by phone. You must file Form 8822-B by mail, through your online account, or have a tax professional file it for you. Calling the IRS to report an address change will not update your account.

What if I file as a sole proprietor and also have an EIN for a business?

You have two separate accounts: one under your Social Security number and one under your EIN. An address change to one does not affect the other. You may need to file Form 8822-B twice if you want both accounts updated, or specify which account the change applies to on a single form.

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.