What Is Form 8822: Change of Address
The IRS needs to have your address on file to send you notices, refund checks, and other correspondence. When you move to a new address, you can use Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your change of address. In this guide, we'll cover the basics of how to use Form 8822 to update your mailing address with the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- Use Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your change of address after moving to a new home.
- If you don't update your address, the IRS will send all correspondence to your last known address, which could lead to missed important notices.
- Form 8822 requires basic information like the type of tax return you file, your old mailing address, and your new mailing address.
- You can use a post office box for your mailing address on Form 8822 only if the U.S. Postal Service doesn't offer mail delivery to your home's street address.
Updating your mailing address on Form 8822
Form 8822 is used to change your mailing address—the place where you receive your mail—which can be different than the address of your permanent home.
If you're self-employed and the mailing address of your business changes, you can notify the IRS on Form 8822-B.
Filling out Form 8822
Form 8822 requires only basic information, including:
- the type of tax return you file
- your old mailing address
- your new mailing address
If you're married and file joint returns, you can change your spouse's address on the same form.
TurboTax Tip:
If you want all your tax-related correspondence sent to a third party, you can enter 'c/o' before the third party's name and mailing address.
Listing nontraditional addresses
If you want to use a post office box or foreign address or have all tax-related correspondence sent to someone else, there are additional IRS rules to follow.
- You can use a post office box for your mailing address on Form 8822 only if the U.S. Postal Service doesn't offer mail delivery to your home's street address.
- If you move abroad, the IRS suggests entering the foreign address in the format customarily used in that country.
- If you want all of your tax-related correspondence sent to a third party, such as your attorney, you can enter “c/o”—short for “in care of”—before the attorney's name and mailing address.
Alternatives to Form 8822
If you aren't required to file a return, there may not be any reason for you to use Form 8822. But, if you usually file tax returns and you're planning to file your next one soon, you can simply enter your new mailing address directly on the tax return form instead of using Form 8822. You also have the option of writing a letter to the IRS that includes the same information that Form 8822 requires.
Failing to update your mailing address with the IRS may have some consequences if time-sensitive materials are sent to your last known address.
- Under the law, you're deemed to have received anything the IRS sends to your last known address.
- This means that the IRS doesn't have to give you additional time to respond to a letter demanding that you pay additional tax, for example, just because you forgot to update your mailing address after you moved.
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