During the hustle and bustle of a big move, it’s easy to overlook the small details—like ensuring the IRS has your correct address on file. Whether you’re moving just down the street or to a new state, updating your address with the IRS is important for receiving government checks, your income tax return, and other important documents at the right IRS change mailing address.
Handling the details of address changes with government agencies might seem hard, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to make the process simple for you. So, if you’re wondering how to change your address with the IRS or if there’s a cost involved, you’ve come to the right place. So, read ahead!
What You’ll Need for a Change of Address?
Prepare the following information before you initiate a change of address:
- New Address: Ensure your new address is correct. Triple-check to avoid any mistakes.
- Old Address: You will need to provide your old address.
- Personal Information: Include your full name, any prior names (if applicable), date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN).
- Spouse’s Personal Information (if applicable): For joint filers, you will need your spouse’s full name, prior names (if applicable), SSN, and old address (if applicable).
How to Change Address with IRS?
Updating your address with the IRS is essential to ensure you receive important tax-related communications and refunds. Here’s how you can easily change IRS address online and through other methods:
Method 1: Filing Your Tax Return
- Update on Tax Return: When you file your tax return, enter your new address. This automatically updates the IRS records when your return is processed.
- Notify Your Preparer: Inform your return preparer of your new address to avoid any discrepancies.
Method 2: Using IRS Forms
- For Individuals: Complete Form 8822, Change of Address.
- For Businesses: Complete Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business.
- Mail the Forms: Send the completed forms to the address provided on the forms, based on your previous address. Always confirm you’re using the official, up-to-date forms from the IRS website.
Method 3: Sending a Written Statement
Write a signed statement with:
- Full name
- Old address
- New address
- Social Security number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Where to Mail?
If you are wondering, how to change address with the IRS online, you will have to mail it to the respective parties after signing the statement. Send the statement to the address where you filed your last federal tax return.
Method 4: Oral Notification
- Call or Visit: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, or visit a local IRS office to update your address in person.
- Verify Your Identity: Be prepared to provide:
- Full name
- Old and new addresses
- Date of birth
- SSN, ITIN, or EIN
By following these steps, you can ensure that your address is updated with the IRS. This will allow you to receive all important tax-related communications and avoid unnecessary delays and penalties. If you need help, the Hopkins CPA Firm is here for you.
In addition to assisting with IRS address changes, we offer several other services to meet your financial needs. Our services include insurance planning services, CPA individual tax preparation and tax preparation for businesses.
Additional Considerations for Address Changes for IRS
When changing your address with the IRS, consider these important factors to ensure the process goes smoothly:
Spouses and Independent Children
- Adult Children: Each adult child filing separate tax returns must submit their own change of address form.
- Spouses: Spouses living together can use the same form for an address change in IRS. Separated spouses must each submit their own form.
Divorced Spouses
- Steps for updating addresses for joint filers, requiring both signatures if necessary.
- Separate address updates for separated spouses.
Processing Time
The expected timeline for the IRS to process address change requests is four to six weeks.
Employer Notification
It is important to update your address with your employer to ensure accurate W-2 information and avoid delays.
Post Office Notification
Take steps to notify your post office to forward your mail to the new address.
Employment Tax Returns
Explanation of confirmation notices (Notices 148A and 148B) issued by the IRS for employment tax return address changes.
Why You Should Update Your Address Immediately?
Keeping your address up to date with the IRS is crucial for several important reasons:
Receiving Tax Refunds
- If you are one of the many Americans who receive a tax refund each year, ensuring that the IRS has your current address is essential. Your tax refund check will be sent to the address on file. If this address is outdated, it can cause significant delays in receiving your refund.
Receiving Time-Sensitive Communication
- The IRS sends important, time-sensitive notices to the address they have on file. These notices can include audit notifications, notices of outstanding balances, or other critical tax-related information. The IRS considers its legal obligation fulfilled by sending these notices to the last known address, even if you no longer live there.
- Failing to receive and respond to these notices within the stated period can result in penalties, fees, or other serious consequences. Ensuring your address is current helps you avoid these issues and allows you to respond promptly to any IRS communications.
By keeping your address updated with the IRS, you avoid unnecessary delays and penalties. This simple step can save you from potential headaches and financial issues in the future. If you need help, the Hopkins CPA Firm is here for you.
We can not only assist you with IRS address changes but also with other critical services, such as negotiating an offer in compromise with the IRS and obtaining innocent spouse relief IRS. Contact the Hopkins CPA Firm today to get expert support for all your financial and tax-related needs.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
When changing your address with the IRS, it’s important to be aware of potential issues and know how to handle them effectively. Here’s an elaboration on some common problems you might encounter and the steps to resolve them:
What to Do If You Miss an IRS Notice?
Missing an IRS notice can lead to serious consequences, such as penalties, additional interest, or even legal action. If you believe you have missed an important notice due to an outdated address, log into your IRS account online or call the IRS to check for any pending notices and request copies if needed. Respond promptly to any received notices and update your address with the IRS to avoid future issues.
How to Check the Status of Your Address Change?
To check if the IRS has updated your address, log into your IRS account online after six weeks or call the IRS for confirmation. You can also look for confirmation notices sent to your old and new addresses, or visit a local IRS office for assistance.
In Clossing!
Updating your address with the IRS is an easy but important step to make sure you don’t miss any important tax papers or refunds. By following the simple methods on how to update your address with the IRS that we’ve outlined, you can keep your information current and avoid problems. This careful approach can save you time and prevent stress, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home with peace of mind.
Don’t let an old address cause problems—update your IRS records today with Hopkins CPA Firm and stay worry-free. If you still have the question, how do I update my address with the IRS and need assistance, we’re here to help.
As one of the leading CPA firms in Texas, and Austin CPA firms. We serve nationwide, providing the support you need with the expertise you can trust. Get in touch now!
