How to Find IRS Mailing Addresses

The U.S. mail can save you money on tax payments.

The Internal Revenue Service has specialized office divisions nationwide, and the mailing address you need depends on what form you are sending, who prepares your return and whether a payment is included. For individual federal income tax returns, the state you live in determines where to forward the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Your local IRS office can assist with face-to-face questions, but is not the appropriate office for submission of your quarterly payments, for example. Find the correct IRS mailing address online or in the IRS publications and forms.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Refer to the number of the IRS form you need to send to a mailing address. If you have the form on hand, check the form at the end of the written information to see if the IRS provides a mailing address on the form. Watch for a different address for payment enclosed. If you do not have the form available, the IRS website has the forms online, along with instructions. You can find the correct mailing address on the form or instructions provided online.

2. Use the map of states and territories on the IRS website page entitled "Where to File Tax Returns" to locate the correct address for the tax or payment forms you need to forward to the IRS. Click on your state of residence to see a box of all common forms, and a mailing address for each. The mailing address is not the same when you enclose payment as when you do not enclose payment. The address is different for Form 1040V if you use a paid preparer or if you prepare your own taxes.

3. Find mailing addresses for non-returns and payments with the help of the document name and the links from the IRS website page entitled "Where to Send Non-Return Forms," or use the information on the form. As an example, if you need to file Form 8822 to change your address, the form includes six addresses for different areas of the country if you are changing your address as an individual. A business address change has just two IRS mailing addresses, depending on your old address. Non-return forms include the application for a tax identification number or a preparer tax identification number. Injured spouse and innocent spouse forms are non-return forms, as are offers in compromise and audit reconsideration requests.

Tips & Warnings

• Call the IRS toll-free number if you have questions not answered on your tax forms or on the IRS website. The number is 800-829-1040.

• The IRS does not contact you by email. If you receive an email from the IRS, do not respond or open attachments.

References

• IRS: Where to File Tax Returns - Addresses for Tax Professionals By State, U.S. Possession or Foreign Country.
• IRS: How To Contact the IRS
• IRS: Where to Send Non-Return Forms (Applications and Payments)
• IRS: Protect Your Personal Information! The IRS Does Not Initiate Taxpayer Communications Through Email