Key Takeaways

  • Businesses must update the IRS using Form 8822-B when their address or responsible party changes.
  • In addition to the IRS, LLCs should notify their state agency, banks, insurers, and other stakeholders of the address change.
  • A change of address does not automatically update state or registered agent records.
  • Failure to update your business address may result in missed legal or tax documents.
  • Different methods exist to update your business address: IRS form, tax return, written notice, or in-person/phone communication.
  • Consider updating addresses across all platforms, including licenses, permits, and vendor accounts.

The IRS change of address corporation form must be sent to let important agencies, people, and other contacts know that your business address has changed.

Change of address information is especially important to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) because you need to receive any mail or refunds sent to you on a timely basis. Otherwise, checks or other important letters could get lost in the mail. It takes up to six weeks for this process, so don't delay.

How to Change Your Business Address with the IRS

Individuals who need to notify the IRS that their address has changed use Form 8822. However, businesses need to use IRS Form 8822B, titled Change of Address or Responsible Party. If you are the business's responsible party, you will need to use it when your address changes as well. You must fill out both your old and new addresses, and send the form to the appropriate IRS office. To find out where to send it based on your location, use the chart located at the bottom of Form 8822B, available on the IRS website.

You can also notify the IRS by using your new address on your tax return. You'll find a box on the top of the tax forms where you can write your new business address. The IRS will automatically update the address when a new one is reported. However, if you file electronically, you need to check to see if your old address is still being used and update it accordingly.

The IRS also allows you to notify of an address change with a written statement that includes all of the information on Form 8822B:

  • The business name
  • The business's old address
  • The business's new address
  • The business's tax identification number
  • The signature of an authorized party

If you do not wish to fill out a form or mail a letter, you can stop into an IRS office in person or call them on the phone to change your address. If you do this, you will need to have certain information ready, so they can verify your identity.

If you update your address through the U.S. Postal Service system, they may change the address according to the National Change of Address database. However, you can't count on the USPS to forward all mail, particularly checks from the government. Therefore, it's still vital that you notify the IRS.

Other Entities You Must Notify After Changing Your Business Address

Changing your business address with the IRS is only one step. LLCs must also notify several other entities to ensure continuity of operations and avoid missed communications. These include:

  • State Business Filing Agency: Notify your Secretary of State or relevant corporate filing office. Most states require an official amendment or an address update form.
  • Registered Agent: If your registered agent address has changed, file the appropriate documentation with the state. Some states require a separate form for this.
  • Business Licenses and Permits: Update all federal, state, and local business licenses and permits.
  • Banking Institutions: Ensure your business bank accounts reflect your new address.
  • Vendors and Clients: Notify suppliers and customers to avoid invoicing or shipping errors.
  • Insurance Providers: Update your address with commercial insurers to avoid coverage issues.
  • Credit Bureaus: Update your address with Dun & Bradstreet and other credit agencies.
  • Online Directories and Profiles: Ensure your Google Business profile, website, and social listings reflect the correct address.

Failing to notify these parties may result in delays in payments, legal notices, or service interruptions.

How to Fill Out the Form

IRS Form 8822B must be submitted when any information that you put down on the application for an Employer Identification Number changes. This includes the name, title, and address of the person who is responsible for the administration of the business. The EIN application form, which is IRS Form SS4, also requires the number of owners, how many employees you expect to hire in the future, and the company's starting date. You also need to explain the nature of the business the company will be conducting.

You can download form 882B from the IRS website and print it, then fill it out and mail it to the IRS. Here's how to fill it out:

  • The form has boxes for the items affected by the change in information, such as employment, business location, income, employee plan returns, and other business returns. Check off the ones that apply.
  • Write the name of your business, EIN, and your previous business address.
  • Write your new business address, both mailing address and physical location if they are different.
  • Don't neglect to include suite number, room, or apartment number if applicable.
  • If you have a post office box and do not get mail at your street address, you can add it here.
  • If you are using a foreign address, fill out the postal code according to the country's format. Do not abbreviate the name of the country.
  • If a third party receives your correspondence, use C/O before that individual's name.
  • Include information about changes in ownership, if applicable.
  • Sign the form and enter the date.

The document should be mailed to the appropriate IRS office for your location.

Because you have many important decisions to make related to the administration of your business, such as filing taxes, electing an S corporation status and managing bookkeeping, we recommend that you hire a tax professional, CPA, or an attorney that is familiar with your unique needs.

State-Specific Considerations for LLC Address Changes

Each state has its own rules and procedures for processing an LLC's address change. For example:

  • California: File an LLC Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of address changes.
  • New York: Submit a Certificate of Amendment or update via the online filing system.
  • Texas: File Form 401 to update public information and Form 406 to change registered agent address.

Check with your Secretary of State's office for applicable forms and fees. Keep in mind that changing your registered office may also impact your state tax filings and compliance status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your LLC Address

Avoid these common pitfalls when updating your business address:

  • Failing to notify all necessary agencies: The IRS is just one of many that need to be informed.
  • Incorrect or incomplete addresses on Form 8822-B: Missing suite numbers or using P.O. boxes where not allowed can lead to rejected forms.
  • Assuming USPS forwarding is sufficient: USPS mail forwarding does not apply to many legal or government documents.
  • Delaying the update: It can take weeks for some changes to process, which may affect compliance deadlines.
  • Forgetting to update third-party services: This includes payroll processors, accounting software, and government contracting systems.

By proactively managing your address update, you reduce the risk of missed notices and compliance issues.

When to Consider Legal or Professional Help

Although changing your business address might seem straightforward, you may want legal or tax professional support if:

  • You operate in multiple states and need to coordinate with several agencies.
  • You’re changing your registered agent and business structure simultaneously.
  • You're concerned about missing deadlines that affect tax status or limited liability protections.
  • You have a complex corporate structure or international addresses.

A business attorney or CPA can help ensure that address changes are done properly and reflect across all required systems.

You can find qualified attorneys through UpCounsel who specialize in business law and corporate compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need to update my LLC address with both the IRS and my state?
    Yes. The IRS and state agencies operate separately. You must notify both to remain in compliance.
  2. How long does it take for the IRS to process Form 8822-B?
    Processing can take up to six weeks. File early to avoid delays in receiving correspondence.
  3. Can I change my business address online?
    While some states allow online updates, the IRS currently only accepts Form 8822-B via mail.
  4. What happens if I don't update my LLC address?
    You may miss tax documents, legal notices, or important correspondence, potentially resulting in penalties or legal issues.
  5. Is a registered agent address the same as my business address?
    Not always. Your registered agent address is where legal documents are served and may be different from your physical business location.

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