Moving to a new home can knock your tax refund and important tax notices off course. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is reminding taxpayers to report an IRS address change promptly so that refund checks and official correspondence actually reach them.
The message from TAS is straightforward: the IRS sends time-sensitive letters and paper refund checks to the last address it has on file. If that address is out of date, you may miss a notice or never receive money you are owed.
Why does an IRS address change matter so much?
The IRS communicates with taxpayers largely by mail. Because of that, an old or incorrect address can cause real problems, especially if you are waiting on money or need to respond to a notice.
According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, keeping your address current helps you avoid several common headaches:
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →- Missing your refund: Paper refund checks are mailed to your address of record. A wrong address can delay or return your check.
- Missing IRS notices: The IRS mails letters about balances due, audits, and identity verification. Many carry deadlines, and not receiving one does not stop the clock.
- Losing your response window: If a notice never reaches you, you could miss the chance to reply, appeal, or fix a problem before it grows.
How do I report an address change to the IRS?
There are several accepted ways to tell the IRS where you now live. The Taxpayer Advocate Service points taxpayers to standard IRS methods rather than a single option, so you can pick the one that fits your situation:
- File Form 8822: This is the IRS Change of Address form for individuals. Businesses generally use Form 8822-B.
- Put your new address on your tax return: When you file your next return with your current address, the IRS updates its records accordingly.
- Notify the IRS in writing or by phone: You can send a signed written statement with your full name, old and new addresses, and Social Security number, or contact the IRS directly.
The U.S. Postal Service forwarding order also helps, because the IRS may receive updated address information from USPS. Even so, TAS recommends telling the IRS directly rather than relying on mail forwarding alone.
What happens if I don’t update my address?
Legally, a notice the IRS mails to your last known address is generally considered valid even if you never see it. That is why an outdated address is more than an inconvenience.
For example, if the IRS mails a notice proposing additional tax to an old apartment, the deadline to respond can pass while the letter sits in someone else’s mailbox. You would still be responsible for the consequences, because the IRS met its obligation by sending the notice to the address on record.
How can I check on a delayed refund?
If you have moved and are worried about a refund, updating your address is the first step. After that, you can track your refund through the IRS
