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 in three ways: online through your IRS account, by mail using Form 8822, or by phone. The online method is fastest — you can update it when ready and see the change reflected in your account within one business day. If you do not have an IRS online account, you can create one free at IRS.gov using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the prior-year tax return amount.

The IRS needs your current address to send you notices, refunds, and correspondence about your tax account. If you move and do not update your address, the IRS may send important letters to your old address, and you could miss payment important date or refund information. Updating your address takes less than five minutes online.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online through your IRS account, by mail with Form 8822, or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Online updates take effect within one business day and are the fastest method if you already have an IRS account.
Form 8822 takes two to four weeks to process by mail and requires your name, old address, new address, and signature.
If you file a joint return, both spouses must sign Form 8822 if both names are on the account.
Updating your address does not change your tax filing status or affect any pending refunds or payments.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Log in to your IRS account at IRS.gov using your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one. Once logged in, look for the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section — the exact label varies depending on which IRS tool you are using. Select the option to update your address.

Enter your new address exactly as you want the IRS to mail documents to you. Include the street address, apartment or unit number if applicable, city, state, and ZIP code. The IRS will show you the address on file and ask you to confirm the change. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation message. Your new address takes effect within one business day, and you can check your account the next day to confirm the update went through.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

If you do not have an online IRS account or prefer to mail your address change, use Form 8822 (Change of Address). You can read it free from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 800-829-1040. The form is one page and takes about five minutes to complete.

Fill in your name, old address, and new address. Write the date you moved. Sign and date the form. If you file a joint return and both names are on the IRS account, both spouses must sign. Mail the completed form to the IRS address shown on the form itself — this varies by state, so check the form before mailing. The IRS typically processes address changes within two to four weeks of receiving the form. Keep a copy for your records.

Mail Form 8822 to the address listed in the form instructions. Do not mail it to the main IRS office in Washington, D.C. — the form directs you to a regional processing center based on your state. Using the correct address speeds up processing.

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 new address ready. An IRS representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax return, then update your address in the system.

Phone updates take effect within one to three business days. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly. Wait times can be long during tax season (January through April), so call early in the morning or later in the week if possible.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated, all future IRS correspondence will go to your new address. This includes tax notices, refund information, and payment reminders. The IRS does not automatically redirect mail from your old address, so if a letter was already in the mail when you updated your address, it may still arrive at your old location.

If you are expecting a refund or have a pending case with the IRS, the update does not delay or change that process. The IRS will send the refund or correspondence to your new address once it is processed. If you moved mid-year and filed your return at your old address, you can still update your address — the IRS will use the new address for any follow-up.

Changing your address on a joint return

If you file a joint return with a spouse, both of you must sign Form 8822 if you want to update the address on the joint account. If only one spouse signs, the IRS may not process the change or may only update one person's address. When you update online, you can only change the address for the account you are logged into — if your spouse has a separate IRS account, they will need to update their own address separately.

If you and your spouse are separating or divorcing and need different addresses on file, contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 to discuss your options. The IRS may require additional documentation to split a joint account.

Address changes for business and self-employed filers

If you are self-employed or own a business, you may need to update your address in more than one place. Update your personal address using the methods above (online, Form 8822, or phone). If you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for a business, you will also need to update that address separately using Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party for a Business).

read Form 8822-B from IRS.gov or call 800-829-1040 to request it. The process is the same as Form 8822 — fill it out, sign it, and mail it to the address shown in the instructions. Processing takes two to four weeks. If you have both a personal and business address on file, make sure you update both if you have moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online updates take effect within one business day. Phone updates take one to three business days. Form 8822 mailed to the IRS takes two to four weeks. The exact time depends on mail delivery and IRS processing volume.

Do I need to update my address if I filed my tax return online?

Yes. The address you put on your tax return is separate from the address on file with the IRS for receiving mail. You should update your address with the IRS even if you filed online, so the IRS knows where to send notices and refunds.

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

File your return with your new address. You do not need to update your address with the IRS first. The IRS will use the address on your return for that year's correspondence.

Can I change my address if I owe taxes or am on a payment plan?

Yes. Updating your address does not affect any tax debt or payment plan. In fact, updating your address ensures the IRS can reach you about your account. If you owe taxes, make sure your current address is on file so you receive payment notices.

What if I entered my address wrong when I updated it online?

Log back into your IRS account and correct it. You can update your address as many times as you need. The new address takes effect within one business day of each update.

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.