How to Mail Your Tax Return to the IRS

Where to send your paper 1040

The address you use depends on where you live and whether you are including a payment. The IRS publishes a list of mailing addresses for each state on the back of the 1040 form itself, and also on IRS.gov under "Where to File." Do not mail to the main IRS office in Washington — your return will be delayed.

If you are mailing from inside the United States, use the address listed for your state. If you live outside the US but are a citizen or resident alien, use the address for foreign filers, which is also on the form. The address changes slightly from year to year, so check the current form before you mail.

Key Takeaways

The correct mailing address for your 1040 is printed on the back of the form itself and varies by state and whether you are sending a payment.
Mail your return in an envelope with your name and address in the upper left corner, and use first-class mail or certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
The IRS processes paper returns more slowly than e-filed returns — expect 6 to 8 weeks for your return to be received and entered into their system.
If you are sending a check or money order, write your Social Security number and "1040" on the back of it so the payment reaches the right account.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form, schedules, and any supporting documents, in case the IRS asks questions later.

How to prepare your return for mailing

Use a standard business envelope or a larger envelope if you are including multiple pages or supporting documents. Write your name and address in the upper left corner of the envelope, and write the IRS mailing address clearly on the front. Do not use a window envelope — the IRS sorting machines may not read it correctly.

Stack your pages in order: the 1040 form first, then any schedules (Schedule A, Schedule C, and so on), then any supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, or receipts. Do not staple or bind the pages together. Paper clips are acceptable but not required. Fold the pages as few times as possible — ideally just once to fit the envelope.

If you are including a payment, write your Social Security number, tax year, and "1040" on the back of your check or money order. Make the check payable to "United States Treasury." Do not send cash. Place the check or money order on top of your return, not inside a separate envelope.

Mailing options and delivery times

You can mail your return using regular first-class mail, which is included in the price of a standard postage stamp. First-class mail typically takes 3 to 5 business days to arrive, though delivery times vary by distance and season. The IRS does not require you to use any special mailing service.

If you want proof that your return was mailed on a specific date, you can use Certified Mail with Return Receipt. This costs extra but gives you a receipt showing the date you mailed the envelope and a signature confirming delivery. Keep this receipt with your tax records. The IRS does not require Certified Mail, but it can be useful if you are mailing close to the important date.

Once your return arrives at the IRS processing center, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for them to receive it, open it, and enter it into their system. During this time, you will not see any confirmation that they have received it. If you need to know whether your return arrived, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 after 8 weeks have passed.

What to include and what to leave out

Include the completed 1040 form, all required schedules, and copies of documents the IRS asks for on the form or in the instructions. Common documents include W-2s from your employer, 1099s for other income, receipts for charitable donations if you itemize deductions, and mortgage interest statements. The 1040 instructions tell you which documents to send and which to keep for your records.

Do not send original documents unless the IRS specifically asks for them. Send copies instead. Original W-2s and 1099s should stay with your records at home. If the IRS needs to verify something, they will ask you to send originals later.

Do not include a cover letter, sticky notes, or handwritten explanations unless the form itself asks for them. If you need to explain something unusual on your return, use the space provided on the form or on a separate sheet labeled with your name and Social Security number. Attach it to the front of your return with a paper clip.

Timing your mailing to meet the important date

The tax important date is usually April 15, but it can shift to a later date if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday. The IRS considers your return filed on time if it is postmarked by the important date date, not if it arrives at their office by that date. This means you can mail your return a few days before the important date and still be on time, as long as the post office stamps it before midnight on April 15.

If you are mailing close to the important date, mail your return at least 3 to 5 business days early to account for postal delays. If April 15 falls on a Friday, mail by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. If you are unsure whether you will make the important date, consider filing an extension instead, which gives you until October 15 to mail your return.

What happens after you mail your return

The IRS will not send you a confirmation that they received your paper return. You will only hear from them if there is a problem with your return or if they need more information. If your return is accepted without issues, you will see a refund in your bank account or receive a refund check 6 to 8 weeks after they process it. If you owe taxes, the IRS will send you a bill.

If you do not hear from the IRS within 8 weeks and you are expecting a refund, you can check the status of your return on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. This tool updates once per day and shows whether your return has been received and processed.

Keeping records of what you mailed

Make a copy of every page of your return before you mail it, including the 1040, all schedules, and all supporting documents. Store this copy in a safe place at home — a file folder, a drawer, or a safe. Keep it for at least three years, though seven years is safer. If the IRS ever asks about your return, you will have a copy to refer to.

If you used Certified Mail, keep the receipt showing the date and confirmation of delivery. If you mailed regular first-class mail, keep the envelope or a note of the date you mailed it and which post office you used. This information can help if there is ever a question about whether your return was filed on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail my return to any IRS office?

No. You must use the address listed for your state on the back of the 1040 form or on IRS.gov. Mailing to the wrong address delays processing. The addresses are organized by region to distribute the workload, so using the correct one gets your return to the right processing center.

What if I mail my return but then realize I made a mistake?

If you catch the mistake before the important date, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X after the IRS processes your original return. If you realize the mistake after mailing but before the important date, you can mail a corrected return with a note explaining that it replaces the earlier one. The IRS will process the most recent one received.

Do I have to mail my W-2s and 1099s with my return?

No. The 1040 instructions tell you which documents to mail and which to keep. Most people keep W-2s and 1099s at home and only mail them if the IRS asks. Check your form's instructions to see what is required for your situation.

How do I know if the IRS received my mailed return?

The IRS does not send a receipt for paper returns. After 8 weeks, you can use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 to check the status. If you used Certified Mail, your receipt proves you mailed it, but the IRS still needs time to process it.

What if I mail my return and then file electronically by mistake?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you mailed a paper return. They can flag your account to watch for both and process only one. Filing twice can delay processing and create confusion about which return is official.

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.