How to Mail Tax Returns

The government requires workers to file tax returns.

The mailing location of tax returns depends on several variables. For federal tax returns, the mailing location depends upon whether you enclose a payment and which tax form you mail. For state returns, each state has its own mailing locations, with these locations varying depending upon the type of return you file and whether you enclose a payment with your return. Mail tax returns properly to ensure timely submittal and refunds (if applicable).

Things You'll Need

• Stamps

Instructions

Federal Tax Returns

1. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and select your state from the graphic map above or from the list of states below (both are links to webpages that will provide you with the specific mailing instructions for your tax form and state).

2. Find the tax form you are mailing from the list and look at the chart to find the address you must use for tax forms with a payment or tax forms without a payment.

3. Check over your tax form a final time before you mail it. Make sure you performed the correct addition and subtraction to arrive at your final sums and make sure you followed the instructions properly to fill out the tax form.

4. Sign and date the form if you have not already done so. If you are filing jointly, have your spouse sign and date the form, also.

5. Fold the tax form and place it into the envelope that accompanied the tax form, if possible. If you do not have this envelope, use a business-size envelope. Enclose all additional schedules and forms you used to fill out your tax form in the envelope.

6. Write out a check or a money order for the tax amount due, if applicable (payable to "United States Treasury"). Place the check into the envelope.

7. Seal the envelope and write the address you found in step 2 on the front of the envelope. Add your return address in the upper left corner. Affix postage and mail the tax form.

State Tax Forms

1. Visit the TurboTax website and click on your state name to visit your individual state website to find a mailing address for your tax return.

2. Locate a link on your state's website that will take you to a list of mailing addresses for specific forms and situations. Find your filing form on the list and utilize the address designated for filing forms with or without payments (whichever applies to your situation).

3. Finalize your tax form by rechecking your figuring and making sure you filled it out correctly. Sign the form and date it. Have your spouse sign and date the form also for filing jointly.

4. Fold the form and place it into an envelope. Add any additional forms you used to complete the tax form.

5. Check your tax form for instructions for filling out a check or money order to pay tax due, if applicable. Fill out your check, sign it and place it into the envelope.

6. Seal the envelope and write the correct mailing address on the front of the envelope. Write your return address in the upper left corner and affix the correct postage to the envelope.

References

• IRS: When, Where, and How to File

Resources

• Where to File Federal Tax Returns
• TurboTax