Whether for business or personal reasons, moving can be a stressful event. In addition to packing and securing a new place to live, you have to worry about other issues like notifying your creditors and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your new address. The IRS provides a clear set of steps for changing and/or updating your address for future correspondence.
Tips
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS is not currently processing changes of address submitted via the "By Form" and "In Writing" options. The IRS prefers electronic options.
Regarding economic impact payments addressing the pandemic, if you've already filed your 2019 tax return and were owed a refund but did not provide direct deposit information to receive it, or if you owed the IRS, your payment will be mailed to the address provided on your tax return or as updated by the U.S. Postal Service.
Use your updated address when you submit your tax return. When your return is processed, the IRS will update their records with your new address.
Change the address directly on the label sent to you by the IRS. If the address label has your old address, correct the address on the mailing label and return it when you send in your tax return.
Use Form 8822, the "Change of Address" form, to submit an updated address or name if you don't want to wait until you file for taxes or if you recently filed for taxes. The form is also available by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Tips
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS is not currently processing changes of address submitted via the "By Form" and "In Writing" options. The IRS prefers electronic options.
Send the closest IRS office a letter with your updated address. Include your name, old and new addresses, social security number (or Employee Identification Number) and signature.
Provide a verbal update. This may be the easiest option; however, it can only be done if the IRS agent calls you first.
Tips
The IRS has been increasingly nudging people towards electronic options, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the IRS might be understaffed. Electronic transactions, updates and communication are much faster. For example, if you file your tax return electronically, it will be processed much more quickly and you can receive your tax refund sooner.
Submit a change of address at the local post office. The IRS uses the postal services' change of address files to update tax payer addresses.
Read More: Where's My Tax Refund: An Easy Guide
References
- IRS: Topic No. 157 Change Your Address – How to Notify the IRS
- IRS: FAQs: How do I notify the IRS my address has changed?
- IRS. "IRS Statement on Taxpayer Assistance Centers." Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
- IRS. "Question: How Do I Notify the IRS My Address Has Changed?" Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
- IRS. "Third Party Authorization Purpose." Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
- IRS. "Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2010-19: Rev. Proc. 2010-16." Accessed Oct. 20, 2020.
Resources
Writer Bio
Working as a full-time freelance writer/editor for the past two years, Bradley James Bryant has over 1500 publications on eHow, LIVESTRONG.com and other sites. She has worked for JPMorganChase, SunTrust Investment Bank, Intel Corporation and Harvard University. Bryant has a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Florida A&M University.