How to change your address with the IRS

Mail Form 8822 to the IRS office assigned to your old state. There’s no online option for individuals. Processing takes 4–6 weeks and the IRS sends no confirmation — so keep dated proof of mailing.

The five steps

Get Form 8822. Download the free PDF from irs.gov or use a guided filler. One form per person works; joint filers can file a single form together.
Fill in Part I. Check box 1 for individual returns, enter your name and SSN (and spouse’s on a joint return), your old address, and your new address.
Sign and date it. The taxpayer signs. If your last return was joint, your spouse signs too, unless you’re establishing a separate residence and check that box.
Mail it to the IRS office for your OLD state. The destination is one of three IRS centers (Kansas City, Austin, or Ogden) chosen by your old address — page 2 of the form has the table.
Keep proof and verify later. Certified Mail gives a dated receipt and tracking. The IRS takes 4–6 weeks and sends no confirmation; check your IRS Online Account profile afterward.

Why bother, instead of waiting for your next return?

Until the IRS has your new address, everything it sends — refund checks, identity verification letters, audit notices, balance-due letters with deadlines — goes to the old one. IRS notices are legally effective when sent to your last known address, whether or not you ever see them. Moving without filing 8822 means IRS mail chasing a house you don’t live in. (More: Form 8822 vs. your next tax return.)

The details people get wrong

Wrong office. The mailing address depends on your old state — three different IRS centers handle it. Look up yours.
Missing spouse signature. Joint return → both spouses sign (Topic 157), unless the separate-residence box on line 1 applies.
No proof. The IRS sends individuals no confirmation. Certified Mail is the only dated proof of delivery you’ll have.
USPS forwarding as a substitute. It isn’t — forwarding doesn’t update the IRS.

Want the one-minute version? Answer the questions, watch the official form fill in live, sign on screen — we print it and send it Certified Mail to the right IRS office, tracking number emailed to you.

Start my form

Or do the whole errand yourself free — here’s exactly how.

Sources: irs.gov address changes, Topic 157, Form 8822 (Rev. 2-2021).