What is IRS Form 8822, Change of Address?

A woman completing the IRS 8822 form on her laptop computer.

Let the IRS know when you move houses. Learn what Form 8822 is and how you can quickly fill and sign it digitally.

Moving to a new home requires more than just spending a day or two carrying furniture. You also have to inform people of your new address. If you’ve recently moved, filing IRS Form 8822 is essential to ensure you receive important tax-related correspondence.

Here we’ll look at the IRS Form 8822 and explain how you can make completing it easier.

What is Form 8822, and what is it used for?

IRS Form 8822 is officially titled “Change of Address.” As the title says, you use it to inform the IRS of your new mailing address.

If the IRS needs to send you documents — like notices or paper refund checks — they’ll use the address from your most recent tax return. If you haven’t told them you’ve moved, you might miss these important documents. This is why you should keep tax officials updated on your mailing address.

The IRS mailing address on file doesn’t necessarily need to be your home address as long as it’s an address where you regularly receive mail. If you’re self-employed and need to change your business address, you can report the change with Form 8822-B.

Why is it important to submit an IRS change of address form?

The IRS Form 8822 plays a vital role in maintaining effective communication between taxpayers and the IRS. Failing to update your address with the IRS can have serious consequences.

If the IRS cannot contact you due to an outdated address, you may miss important notices, bills, or communications regarding your tax obligations. This can lead to a series of unfavorable outcomes, including the accumulation of penalties and interest on unpaid taxes, the issuance of tax liens or levies, or even the initiation of legal actions. It is essential to promptly update your address with the IRS to ensure that you stay informed about your tax status and prevent any potential financial and legal complications.

How to fill out Form 8822 and e-sign it.

Filling out Form 8822 and e-signing it is a straightforward process. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Download the form. The IRS provides Form 8822 as a PDF document on its official website. Locate and download the form to your computer.
Open the form with PDF editing software. Use PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat to open the downloaded Form 8822 on your computer. Ensure that you have the latest version of Acrobat for optimal compatibility.
Fill in your information. Once the form is open, you can start entering your updated information. The PDF form provides fields to type in your details, such as your name, old address, new address, and any other required information. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided within the PDF to ensure accurate completion.
E-sign the form. After entering all the necessary information, you can fill and sign PDF documents with Adobe Acrobat online services. Find out more ways to work with PDFs online.
Print and mail the form. Once you have completed the e-signature process, print out the filled and signed Form 8822. Ensure that all the information is legible and accurate. Then, mail the printed form to the IRS using the address provided in the instructions. It’s essential to keep a copy of the filled form for your records. As of now, Form 8822 cannot be filed electronically.

If you've moved recently and aren’t able to file taxes on time, be sure to also look at Form 4868 extension of time.

How can I obtain an IRS change of address form?

To obtain an IRS change of address form, you have a few options. The simplest and most convenient way is to visit the official website of the IRS. On the IRS website, you can navigate to the Forms and Instructions section, where you will find a search feature. Type “Form 8822” in the search bar, and the relevant form will appear in the search results. You can then download the form in PDF format directly from the IRS website.

Another option is to visit your local IRS office, where you can request a physical copy of the form. Additionally, you may contact the IRS by phone and ask them to mail the form to your address. It’s important to note that obtaining the form directly from the IRS website is usually the fastest and most accessible method.

Can I use IRS Form 8822 to change the address for my business?

Yes, you can use IRS Form 8822-B to change the address for your business. While IRS Form 8822 is specifically designed for individual taxpayers to update their personal addresses, the IRS has a separate form called Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business.

Form 8822-B is intended for businesses and organizations to notify the IRS of any changes to their mailing address or responsible party information. It allows companies to update their address with the IRS and ensure they receive important communications, notices, and correspondence related to their tax obligations. If you need to change the address for your business, it is essential to use the correct form, Form 8822-B, to ensure the IRS has accurate and up-to-date information regarding your business’s location.

Discover everything you can do with Acrobat to fill, convert, and share tax documents and other PDFs.