Tax guide
Form 8822 vs Form 8822-B (which IRS address-change form should you file?)
Form 8822 and Form 8822-B are both IRS address-change forms, but they apply to different filer types. Filing the wrong one can delay updates.
Published Mar 2, 2026 • Updated Jun 13, 2026
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Quick answer
- Form 8822: commonly used for individual-related address changes.
- Form 8822-B: the IRS form generally covers business address, location, and responsible-party changes. PostalForm's preparation kit supports address and location changes only.
Form 8822 (individual-focused scenarios)
Form 8822 is generally used for mailing-address updates tied to individual, gift, estate, or generation-skipping transfer tax filings.
Typical examples:
- You moved and want IRS notices mailed to a new home address.
- You need to update where individual tax correspondence is delivered.
Form 8822-B (business scenarios)
Form 8822-B is generally used when the change involves a business address, location, or responsible party. PostalForm deliberately excludes the responsible-party branch from its guided kit.
Typical examples:
- A business changed mailing location.
- A business mailing address or location needs to be updated.
How to decide in practice
- Identify whether the filing context is individual or business.
- Check current IRS instructions for the applicable form.
- Complete only the form that matches your situation.
- Mail using the current official mailing instructions for that form.
Common mistakes
- Filing Form 8822 for a business change that requires 8822-B.
- Filing 8822-B for a purely individual address update.
- Copying old mailing addresses from non-official sources.
Sources
Which mailing option and proof should you choose?
PostalForm offers U.S. letter mailing with different delivery and proof options. First-Class suits routine correspondence; Certified Mail adds mailing and delivery records, and Electronic Return Receipt adds a downloadable signature record. Expedited delivery prioritizes speed. Review the destination, estimated dates, total price, and required proof before paying.
| Mailing option | Delivery speed | Proof | Use when | Avoid when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS First-Class Mail | First-Class Mail delivery estimate shown before payment. | Available processing scans; no recipient signature or Certified Mail receipt. | Routine letters when a signed delivery record is unnecessary. | Your instructions require Certified Mail, a signature, or a deadline this estimate cannot meet. |
| Certified Mail | First-Class delivery speed; certification does not make delivery faster. | USPS mailing and delivery/attempt tracking; no Electronic Return Receipt unless added. | You need a recorded mailing and delivery or attempted-delivery status. | You need a downloadable signature record or faster delivery. |
| Certified Mail + Electronic Return Receipt | First-Class delivery speed; signature collection may require redelivery or pickup. | Certified Mail records plus a downloadable USPS signature record when available. | Your instructions call for Certified Mail with Return Receipt or you need the signature record. | Your recipient requires an original enclosure, personal service, or another submission method. |
| Expedited / Express with signature | Faster estimated delivery range shown at checkout; production cutoff and destination apply. | Carrier tracking and signature option; this is separate from Certified Mail and ERR. | Speed and signature matter and checkout offers the service for your destination. | A rule specifically requires Certified Mail or the displayed estimate misses your deadline. |
Availability and delivery estimates depend on the document and destination. Mailing proof does not establish that a recipient accepted a filing or that legal service requirements were met. Delivery estimates · Full pricing
FAQs
- Can I file both forms to be safe?
- Usually no. File the correct form for your specific change.
- If I am self-employed, do I always use 8822-B?
- It depends on filing context and the type of change; check current IRS instructions.
- Can I complete these forms online?
- PostalForm can prepare an unsigned kit and mail it to you. You must hand-sign, review current routing, and personally submit the final form.
- Do USPS forwarding updates replace these forms?
- No. USPS and IRS records are separate systems.
Ready to get started?
Pick the correct form first, then complete the handwritten signatures and personally submit it using the current official instructions.