Key Takeaways

  • Form 8822 is used to inform the IRS of a change in your home mailing address.
  • It applies to individuals, estates, and gift recipients—but not businesses (which use Form 8822-B).
  • Updating your address ensures you receive critical IRS notices and tax refunds.
  • Processing time for Form 8822 is typically 4 to 6 weeks.
  • You must sign and mail the form; electronic filing is not an option.
  • Changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service does not update it with the IRS.
  • Couples filing jointly should include both names and signatures.
  • Additional IRS forms may be affected if address changes are not reported.

What Is Form 8822?

Form 8822 is a change of address form. After moving into a new residence, you can use Form 8822 to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your change of address. The IRS might ship notices, refund checks, and different correspondence referring to your private, current, and property taxes to your final identified address, which is the one listed in your most up-to-date tax return.

Who Should File Form 8822?

You should file Form 8822 if you’ve changed your home mailing address and want to ensure that the IRS has your most current contact information. This form is primarily intended for:

  • Individual taxpayers who file Form 1040 series
  • Gift recipients of substantial gifts subject to IRS rules
  • People handling estate matters, especially if the IRS may contact you about a decedent’s taxes

Keep in mind, if you operate a business or are changing your business address, you will need to file Form 8822-B, not Form 8822.

Filling out Form 8822

Form 8822 requires basic info, the kind of tax return you file, your previous mailing address, and your new mailing address. If you are married and file joint returns, you will be able to change your partner's address on Form 8822.

Tips for Completing Form 8822 Accurately

To avoid delays in processing, follow these best practices when filling out Form 8822:

  • Use black or blue ink and print clearly.
  • Only report one address change per form.
  • Double-check that your Social Security Number (SSN) is accurate.
  • If you're a representative (e.g., power of attorney), include Form 2848 or Form 8821 as authorization.
  • Be sure to sign the form—unsigned forms will not be processed.

Listing Nontraditional Addresses

If you relocate overseas, the IRS suggests using the international address in the format typically used in that nation. If you would like your entire tax-related correspondence dispatched to a third party (such as your lawyer), you'll be able to enter “c/o” – an abbreviation for “care of” before the lawyer's title and mailing address.

Updating Your Mailing Address on Form 8822

You will use Form 8822 to change your mailing address, which might be different from the address of your permanent residence. In the event you're self-employed and the mailing address of your enterprise needs modifications, you'll be able to notify the IRS on Form 8822-B.

Why It's Important to Notify the IRS of an Address Change

Failing to notify the IRS of your new address can result in missed tax refunds, delayed notices, or penalties. For example, if the IRS sends a time-sensitive notice—such as a deficiency notice—and it’s returned undeliverable, you’re still considered to have been notified. This could limit your right to dispute the notice or request an appeal.

Additionally, updated contact information ensures that:

  • Refund checks are mailed to the correct address.
  • You receive notices related to audits or collection activity.
  • Your records match across IRS forms and systems.

Where Do I Mail Form 8822?

On the center of the second web page for Form 8822, you will see “Where to File?” Clicking on this will inform you where to mail the form based on your previous address. Your tax return and Form 8822 should be mailed individually.

How Long Does It Take to Process Form 8822?

Once you submit Form 8822, expect the IRS to process it within 4 to 6 weeks. During peak tax season or if you submit other forms at the same time, processing could take slightly longer.

You may want to wait to file your tax return until the address change is complete to avoid confusion or delayed correspondence.

Alternatives to Form 8822

  • If you are not required to file a tax return, you most likely do not need to fill out Form 8822. If you do file a tax return, and you're planning to file your subsequent one quickly, you'll be able to merely enter your new mailing address directly on the tax return instead of filling out Form 8822.
  • You also can write a letter to the IRS including the same information required in Form 8822. Failing to change your mailing address with the IRS might have some penalties if time-sensitive supplies are dispatched to your last identified address. You are deemed to have obtained something the IRS sends to your final identified address, which means the IRS would not have to offer you extra time to answer a letter demanding that you just pay extra tax, for instance, simply since you forgot to update your mailing address after you moved.

Situations Where Filing Form 8822 Is Especially Critical

Filing Form 8822 is especially crucial if any of the following apply:

  • You're expecting a refund check and haven’t opted for direct deposit.
  • You're dealing with tax debt and could receive collection notices.
  • You're managing a deceased person’s estate, and the IRS may contact you.
  • You’ve submitted a change to the U.S. Postal Service, but not directly to the IRS (USPS changes don't automatically update IRS records).

Proactively updating your address can prevent complications such as IRS levies, missed deadlines, or identity verification requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I submit Form 8822 online? No. Form 8822 must be printed, signed, and mailed to the IRS. There is currently no option to file it electronically.

2. Do I need to file Form 8822 if I updated my address with the USPS? Yes. The IRS does not receive address updates from the U.S. Postal Service. You must notify the IRS directly using Form 8822.

3. What if I'm filing jointly? If you and your spouse filed a joint return, and both of you are changing addresses, both must sign Form 8822.

4. Can I use one form for both personal and business address changes? No. Personal address changes use Form 8822, while business address changes require Form 8822-B.

5. How will I know the IRS processed my address change? The IRS does not send confirmation notices. You can check whether mail is arriving at your new address or call the IRS to confirm after 4 to 6 weeks.

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