Grounds to tell the IRS that you’re moving

It is very essential to let the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) know as soon as possible if you move. When you are moving out of a place, you most times have a lot of things to worry about and the last thing on your mind is informing the IRS about your new address. Most of us do not even consider letting the IRS know that we have moved until it comes time to file our next tax return, and most of the time that is not so bad. But what if you are waiting to get a refund? What if the IRS needs to send you a note?

If you do not inform the IRS that you’ve moved, they may send vital correspondence to your old address. This poses as a great social insecurity especially in this time of increased identity theft. The thought of your mail sitting in someone else’s mailbox isn’t amusing. If for some reason the Post Office fails to deliver the IRS correspondence to you, or only forwards it after a prolonged delay, the penalty could be costly.

You can update your address over the phone or by filling out a form that the IRS makes available and sending it to the agency. You can also update someone else’s address, such as an elderly parent or relative, if you are their authorized representative.

Why tell the IRS that you are moving?

Any forms or letters that the IRS emails you regarding your taxes will get you in time. If you receive a refund check in the mail, it will go to the correct place.

If you are independent or a sole proprietor and work outside your home, the paperwork taxes and forms for your business will go to the correct address.

How to update your address with the IRS

There are five different methods that you can use to change your address.

 Form: Download and fill out form 8822. Instructions are included in the same file, on the second page. Page two tells you where you will need two send your completed and signed form. If you need to change your address for business or local correspondence, use Form 8822-B

Tax Return: when you file your tax return for the year, use your new address. The IRS will update your records to match your address on your return.

Telephone: Contact the IRS by putting a call through a local office to inform them of your change of address. You will need to provide identifying information including your full name, date of birth, social security number, old address and new address. The agent you speak to may also request additional information to verify your identity.

In person: You can visit your nearest Assistance centre to report a change of address in person. The agent you speak to will need the same identifying information that you would give over the phone. If you submitted a joint statement with your spouse and you are both changing your address, you must go together or the person who is not going in person must submit a written statement.

In writing: You can inform the IRS of your change of address with a written and signed statement. Provide your full name, old address, new address, social security number or other tax identification number, and date of birth. Make sure your statement has both your printed name and your signature. Send your declaration to the address from which you would send a paper tax return. If you submitted a joint statement with your spouse and both have moved, both must sign the statement in writing.

The IRS usually updates its records within four to six weeks of receiving information about a new address, although that time may be postponed during the busy tax reporting season.

How to Update Else Address Someone with the IRS

If you are certified to represent another person in tax matters, you can file a change of address on behalf of that person. In order to become an authorized representative, you and the person you are representing both need to fill out Form2848. This offers you power of attorney tax issues regarding.

If you are not an authorized representative, you will not be able to change someone else’s address, even if you are a relative, parent, child or spouse.

When you contact the IRS to change that person’s address, you will have to either bring or mail a copy of Form 2848, along with the other change of address materials. You must also provide identifying information, both for you and the person you are representing.

Ensure a smooth change of address with the IRS

The IRS is authorized to use the taxpayer’s last known address when sending documents or other communications. This means that any documents or notices sent to the address the IRS has on file are legally effective, even if you are no longer living there and do not receive them.

You can prevent the lack of essential government communication and deal with unintended financial or collective sanctions by taking steps to ensure that your change of address is processed quickly and smoothly.

If you intend to move in the first four months of the year and until April 15, postpone filing your income tax return until after you have moved. In this way, you can file your tax return with your new address, and your refund check will be sent to the new address.

If you also have a business in your home, be sure to submit both a personal change of address form and a business change of address.

Couples who are separating should each submit a change of address form, even if only one person is moving to a new address. In this way, the IRS will be able to locate each taxpayer individually.

If you inform the United States Postal Service of your change of address, they will usually forward any letters or refund checks to the IRS. However, you must still file a change of address to tell the IRS to ensure that there is no lack of communication or missing documents.