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 24 hours. If you do not have an IRS online account yet, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires a Social Security number, date of birth, filing status from your most recent return, and a valid email address.

The IRS uses your address on file to mail tax notices, refunds, and correspondence. If you move and do not update it, important documents may go to your old address, and you could miss important date or not receive refunds. The sooner you update after moving, the better.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online through IRS.gov, by mailing Form 8822, or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Online updates take effect within 24 hours; mailed forms take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
If you filed jointly, both spouses can update their own address independently online, but a mailed Form 8822 requires both signatures if filed together.
The IRS will not update your address based on a change of address filed with the U.S. Postal Service — you must tell them directly.
If you have a pending tax return or refund, update your address before the return is processed to avoid delays.

Updating your address online through your IRS account

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in to your account" in the upper right. If you do not have an account, select "Create an account" and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using either a Social Security number and date of birth, or by answering questions about your tax history. Once you are signed in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" and select the option to update your address.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on IRS documents. Include the apartment or unit number if you have one. The change takes effect when ready in your online account, though it may take up to 24 hours to appear in all IRS systems. You will receive a confirmation email. This method works for individual returns only — if you filed a joint return, each spouse can update their own address independently online.

Mailing Form 8822 to the IRS

Form 8822, "Change of Address," is the official paper form for address changes. You can read it from IRS.gov or request it by phone at 800-829-1040. Fill in your name, Social Security number, old address, and new address. If you filed a joint return and both spouses are moving, both of you must sign the form. If only one spouse is moving, that person signs alone.

Mail the form to the IRS address listed on the form itself — this varies by state. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Keep a copy for your records. Use this method if you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account. The form is also useful if you need to update an address for a prior year's return that is still under review.

Updating 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. The representative will verify your identity by asking questions about your tax return, then update your address in the system. The change takes effect the same day, though it may take up to 24 hours to show in all systems.

Phone lines are busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you reach a long wait time, try calling early in the week or later in the day. The phone method works well if you have questions about your account or need to update an address for a return that is being processed.

What happens if you move but do not update your address

The IRS will mail documents to the address on file, even if you have filed a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service. The postal service will not forward IRS mail automatically — you must tell the IRS directly. If you miss a notice or important date because mail went to your old address, you can still request relief by contacting the IRS and explaining that you did not receive the notice.

If a refund is mailed to your old address, you can contact the IRS to have it reissued. If you have a pending return or audit, an outdated address can delay processing or cause the IRS to lose contact with you. Update your address as soon as you move, especially if you are expecting a refund or have an open case with the IRS.

Updating your address for a business or partnership return

If you own a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation, the address change process is different. For a sole proprietorship, you can update your business address online using your personal IRS account, or mail Form 8822 with your business name and Employer Identification Number (EIN). For partnerships and corporations, the responsible person (usually the owner or manager) must mail Form 8822-B, "Change of Address or Responsible Party — For Business," to the IRS.

Form 8822-B requires the business name, EIN, old address, new address, and the signature of an authorized person. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. If your business has a tax professional or accountant, they can file the form on your behalf with proper authorization.

Timing your address change if you have a pending return or refund

If you have filed a return but have not yet received your refund, update your address before the refund is processed. The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of receiving your return, though it can take longer if the return is selected for review. Once a refund check is mailed to your old address, you will need to contact the IRS to have it reissued, which adds weeks to the process.

If you are in the middle of an audit or the IRS has sent you a notice, update your address when ready. The IRS will use the new address for all future correspondence. If you have already received a notice at your old address, forward it to your new address or contact the IRS to confirm they have your current location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address with the IRS if I filed a change of address with the post office?

No. The U.S. Postal Service does not share address changes with the IRS, and the IRS does not automatically update based on postal forwarding. You must contact the IRS directly using one of the three methods above.

How long does it take for the IRS to update my address?

Online updates take effect within 24 hours. Phone updates take effect the same day. Mailed Form 8822 takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you are expecting a refund or notice, use the online or phone method to avoid delays.

Can I update my address if I filed a joint return but my spouse is not moving?

Yes. If you file jointly, each spouse can update their own address independently online. If you mail Form 8822, only the spouse who is moving needs to sign. The IRS will maintain separate addresses for each person.

What if I do not know my IRS online account password?

Go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in to your account," then choose "Forgot password?" You will be asked to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions. A password reset link will be sent to your email.

Can I update my address for a return from a previous year?

Yes, but you must use Form 8822 mailed to the IRS, not the online method. Include the tax year for which you want to change the address. This is useful if the IRS is still reviewing an older return or if you need to receive correspondence about a prior year.

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.