How to Update Your Address With the IRS

You can change your address with the IRS by mail, phone, or online through your IRS account

The IRS needs your current mailing address so tax documents, refunds, and notices reach you. If you move and do not update your address, the IRS will mail everything to your old address, and you may miss important important date or lose track of your refund. You have three ways to change your address: by phone, by mail using Form 8822, or by logging into your IRS online account if you have one set up.

The fastest method depends on what documents you have ready and whether you want to handle it when ready or by mail. Phone and online changes take effect within a few days. Mail takes two to four weeks. All three methods are free.

Key Takeaways

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to change your address over the phone; have your Social Security number and a recent tax return or notice ready.
Mail Form 8822 (Change of Address) to the IRS address listed on the form itself, which varies by state; include your name, old address, new address, and signature.
Log into your IRS online account at IRS.gov to update your address when ready if you have already registered for an account.
Address changes for your spouse require a separate Form 8822 or a separate phone call, even if you file jointly.
The IRS processes address changes within a few days by phone or online, but mail submissions take two to four weeks.

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, date of birth, and a recent tax return or IRS notice in front of you. The IRS representative will verify your identity using this information, then update your address in their system.

Wait times vary by season. During tax season (January through April), hold times can be 30 minutes or longer. Outside tax season, you may reach someone within 10 to 15 minutes. The call is free. Ask the representative to confirm your new address before you hang up to make sure it was entered correctly.

Changing your address by mail using Form 8822

Form 8822 is the official IRS form for address changes. You can read it from IRS.gov or request it by phone. Fill in your name, old address, new address, and sign and date the form. Include your Social Security number and, if you file jointly, your spouse's Social Security number.

Mail the form to the IRS address printed on the form itself — this address changes by state. Do not mail it to the main IRS office; the form includes a state-specific mailing address on the back. Include a copy of a recent tax return or notice if you have one, though it is not required. The IRS will process the change within two to four weeks of receiving it. If you need the change to take effect sooner, use the phone or online method instead.

Changing your address online through your IRS account

If you have already created an IRS online account at IRS.gov, you can log in and update your address when ready. Click on "Profile" or "Account Settings" (the exact label varies), then select "Address" and enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready in the IRS system.

If you do not have an IRS online account yet, you can create one at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid email address. The IRS will verify your identity and send you a confirmation email. Once your account is set up, you can update your address anytime. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes.

What to do if you filed a return at your old address

If you filed a tax return before you moved, update your address as soon as possible so the IRS knows where to send your refund or any notices about that return. If your refund was already mailed to your old address, contact the new resident or your local post office to see if they can forward it. You can also call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask whether your refund has been mailed yet; if it has not, the address change will redirect it.

If you moved after filing but before your refund arrived, the post office's mail forwarding service will usually redirect IRS mail for up to 12 months. However, do not rely on this alone — update your address with the IRS directly to be certain.

Changing your spouse's address on a joint return

If you file taxes jointly but your spouse has a different mailing address, you must file a separate Form 8822 for them or call the IRS separately. The IRS treats each spouse's address independently, even on a joint return. Your spouse will need to provide their own Social Security number, date of birth, and signature on their form.

If you both moved to the same new address, you can update both addresses on a single phone call by providing both Social Security numbers and having the representative process both changes. Ask the representative to confirm both addresses before ending the call.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your address change will carry over to state tax agencies. The IRS and your state tax authority are separate systems. If you owe state taxes or expect a state refund, contact your state tax agency separately to update your address there as well. Your state's website will have instructions for address changes.

Do not mail Form 8822 to the main IRS office in Washington, D.C. The form includes a state-specific mailing address on the back; use that address instead. Mailing to the wrong address delays processing by several weeks. Also, do not include extra documents unless the form asks for them — a straightforward, signed form is all the IRS needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Phone and online changes take effect within a few days. Mail submissions using Form 8822 take two to four weeks. If you need the change to take effect quickly, use the phone or online method.

Can I change my address if I have not filed a tax return yet?

Yes. You can update your address with the IRS anytime, whether or not you have filed a return. This ensures that when you do file, the IRS has your current address on file.

What if I moved to a different state?

The process is the same. Form 8822 includes different mailing addresses by state, so make sure you use the address for your new state. If you call or use your online account, the state does not matter — the IRS will update your address regardless of where you moved.

Do I need to update my address if I use a tax preparer or accountant?

Yes. Your tax preparer files your return with the address you provide, but the IRS mails notices and refunds to the address in their system. Update your address directly with the IRS to make sure everything reaches you, even if your preparer has your new address on file.

What if I moved temporarily and plan to move again soon?

Update your address with the IRS each time you move. There is no limit to how many times you can change it. If you are moving frequently, consider using an online account so you can make changes when ready without waiting for mail processing.

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.