The IRS doesn't use your mailing address to verify your identity – it uses your Tax Identification Number (Social Security or Employer Identification Number) to verify you from year to year.
However, if you will be receiving a paper refund check or need to receive important alerts or other documents from the IRS, it's a good idea to check to make sure they have your correct, current address.
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The Form W-2 you submit with your tax return contains your address, so it's best to make sure it has the correct address to avoid possible confusion. The process is simple, and will include contacting other entities besides the IRS.
Consider also: W-2 Forms: What It Is, Who Gets One & How It Works
Contact Your Employer(s)
The first step in changing your address on your W-2 starts with your employer. That's the entity that issues your W-2, which you submit to the IRS with your tax return. If it's your current employer, go down to your HR or accounting department and ask how to make the change.
This might include updating your Form W-4. If you have an employee intranet portal for your company, login and update your information. If you do contact work and will receive a 1099, you might need to update the W-9 you submitted with your client or clients.
If you've changed jobs this year and will also be getting a W-2 from your previous employer, contact that company to make the change. Make sure you get verification that the change has been made after it's been done. You can do this with an email, letter or phone call.
If the company refuses to cooperate, they still need to send you a W-2 for your earnings and you'll be able to see if they updated your address. If not, submit it with your tax return a note attached pointing out the error and including your correct address.
Consider also: Form 1040: What You Need to Know
Contact the IRS
If you've noticed that the address on your W-2 (and/or your tax return) was incorrect after you submit your tax return, you can contact the IRS following the instructions at the "Address Changes" page at the IRS website. You can call the IRS at 800-829-1040, or download Form 8822 and mail it in.
You won't be able to change the address on your W-2 (only your employer can do that), but the IRS will now have the correct address for you and will be able to mail you a refund or notices in the quickest way possible.
If you pay state taxes and submitted your tax return with different addresses on your tax form and W-2 (or 1099), contact your state tax authority to make sure they have the correct mailing address for you.
Visit their website and look for a way to access your information (you might need to confirm your Social Security number, birth date, phone number and/or phone number). If you can't find a way to do this on the website, call the customer service number and have your information handy.
Review Your Other Financial Accounts
If your address is incorrect on your W-2, it might be incorrect on other financial accounts. Check the following financial accounts to make sure all have your most current mailing address:
- Your credit reports (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Student/vehicle/home loans
- Utilities
- Subscriptions
- Internet service provider
- Phone company
- Cable company