Moving to a new home can be chaotic. Between packing boxes, hiring movers, and updating your mailing address, it’s easy to overlook small but important tasks. One such task? Making an IRS change of address.

While it may not seem pressing, promptly notifying the IRS of your change of address ensures you receive tax refunds, stimulus checks, and other important IRS communications without delay. Read on to discover four effortless ways to update your address after relocating.

Why an IRS change of address matters?

The IRS relies on having your current, correct address. Without it, you risk:

Missing out on tax refunds. The IRS won’t forward refund checks if the post office can’t deliver them. Each year, over 1 million refund checks totaling nearly $1 billion go uncashed due to incorrect addresses.
Failing to receive IRS notices. If the IRS needs to contact you about your tax returns, audits, or penalties, they’ll send notices to your last known address. If their records are outdated, you may miss important communications and deadlines.
Losing stimulus payments. If new economic stimulus payments are issued, the IRS will mail checks to the address they have on file. If it’s wrong, your payment could get lost or delayed.

Having your most up-to-date address on file with the IRS prevents these problems and headaches. Luckily, making an IRS change of address is quick and easy.

Here are the simple ways:

Method 1

File your taxes to change your address with the IRS

The simplest way to make and IRS change of address is to provide your new address on your next tax return. When you e-file or mail your Form 1040 with a new address, the IRS automatically updates their records.

This method works great if you’re moving right before or during tax season. However, if your move occurs later in the year, you’ll want to notify the IRS directly so they can update your address right away.

Method 2

Call the IRS toll-free

Calling the IRS is a fast, convenient way to update your address information over the phone.

To make an IRS change your address by phone, call 1-800-829-1040. IRS agents are available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM local time.

When you call, be prepared to verify your identity. You’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and previous address. Once verified, share your new address details with the agent.

The IRS will immediately update your address during the call. Just like that – your IRS change of address is complete!

Method 3

Submit IRS form 8822

You can also write to the IRS using Form 8822, IRS change of address. The form takes only a few seconds to complete. You must provide the following information:

Your name
Spouses name
Social Security number for you and your spouse
Any prior names of you and your spouse
The old address for you and your spouse (separate if different)
New address

You must both sign the form and mail it to the appropriate office as noted on the instructions. The location varies based on the state you reside.

As per the IRS website:

The following replaces the “Where to File” addresses on page 2 of Form 8822 (Rev. October 2015).

- If you checked the box on line 2, send Form 8822 to:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999-0023.

- If you did not check the box on line 2, send Form 8822 to the address shown here that applies to you.

Method 4

Send a written statement

If you don’t have access to Form 8822, you can also send a written statement with the same information stated above to make an IRS change of address. It needs to include the signature of both you and your spouse if applicable. You can mail the written declaration to the same office you sent your last tax return.

Pro tip: Changing your address with the post office

You can use the post office’s change of address service, but if you’re expecting a refund check, the post office may not forward it. If you recently filed your taxes, you can let the post office know of your address change. However, it is best to use one of the steps above to let the IRS know directly. That way, you don’t miss out on any checks or crucial communications.

Final thoughts on IRS change of address

Tell the IRS of a change of address as soon as possible. Even if it’s not tax time, you never know when they may need to communicate with you. While the post office change of address service is reliable, it’s best to let the IRS know directly of your new address to prevent any problems.

For 8822 is to be used for Individual, Gift, Estate, or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Returns. For businesses and other entities with an Employer Identification Number application on file, use Form 8822-B to notify the Internal Revenue Service if you changed:

Business mailing address.
Business location.
Identity of your responsible party.

Note: Changes in responsible parties must be reported to the IRS within 60 days.

You can also call with the above information to make your IRS change of address. Follow these instructions to reach a live agent at the IRS.

IRS change of address – 4 ways to change yours