Tax guide
USPS change-of-address checklist (and when to file IRS Form 8822)
USPS forwarding and IRS address updates solve different problems. Use this checklist to avoid address gaps after a move, especially if you are expecting tax notices or deadline-sensitive mail.
Published Feb 18, 2026 • Updated Mar 2, 2026
How it works
Fill out form
Complete the guided fields online.
Preview PDF
Review the generated PDF before mailing.
We print and mail it via USPS.
Key takeaways
- USPS Change-of-Address (COA) forwards eligible mail for a limited period.
- Online COA includes a USPS identity verification fee.
- USPS forwarding does not automatically update IRS records.
- IRS updates can take several weeks, so file Form 8822 early when needed.
Step 1: Set your USPS forwarding plan
Before your move:
- Pick your forwarding start date.
- Choose online or in-person filing.
- Keep confirmation details for your records.
USPS says you can submit a COA request up to 90 days before moving and up to 30 days after.
Step 2: File USPS Change-of-Address
Choose one route:
- Online COA through USPS (includes an identity verification charge, currently $1.25).
- In-person COA at a Post Office using PS Form 3575.
If filing online, use official USPS pages to avoid lookalike scam sites.
Step 3: Update IRS records separately when needed
Use IRS forms when tax correspondence should go to your new address:
Form 8822 for many individual address updates.
Form 8822-B for business address, location, or responsible-party changes. PostalForm's guided kit supports address and location changes only.
Step 4: Plan around processing windows
- USPS says forwarding can begin in about 7 to 10 postal business days from your requested start date.
- IRS says address updates can take around 4 to 6 weeks.
If you are near a tax deadline, submit IRS address updates as early as possible.
Step 5: Update institutions USPS forwarding will not fully cover
In addition to USPS and IRS, update major records directly:
- DMV and voter registration (where required)
- Banks and card issuers
- Employers/payroll providers
- Insurance carriers
- Investment and retirement account providers
- Healthcare providers and benefit administrators
Common mistakes
- Filing USPS COA and assuming every agency updates automatically.
- Waiting until after a tax notice deadline to send Form 8822.
- Using outdated IRS mailing addresses.
- Not keeping mailing proof for forms with hard deadlines.
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
- If I file USPS COA, do I still file Form 8822?
- Often yes, when IRS correspondence should reflect your new address.
- How much does online USPS COA cost?
- USPS currently lists a $1.25 online identity verification fee.
- Can I file COA after I move?
- Yes. USPS indicates requests can be submitted up to 30 days after moving.
- How long do IRS address changes take?
- IRS guidance indicates around 4 to 6 weeks.
Ready to get started?
If your IRS address needs updating, complete the right form and mail with tracking so timing is documented.