Following a few guidelines will ensure that your tax return goes to the proper address, that it gets there on time, and that you have proof of delivery.
Where To Mail Your Personal Tax Return
The IRS has more addresses than you might imagine because its processing centers are located all around the country. The address you’ll use depends on what you’re mailing and where you live. Go to the Where to File page on the IRS website if you’re sending a personal tax return, an amended return, or if you’re asking for an extension of time to file. The page includes links for every state. Note that the mailing address is usually different if you’re submitting a payment with your return. You’ll typically mail returns with payments to the IRS. Returns without payments go to the Department of the Treasury. Note that the IRS uses ZIP codes to help sort incoming mail. Make sure your return gets to the right place as quickly as possible by including the last four digits after the five-digit zip code. For example, the correct address (with the four-digit zip code extension) for a California 2021 Form 1040 mailed with a payment in calendar year 2022 is: Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501
Use a Secure Method To Mail Your Return
Always use a secure method, such as certified mail return receipt requested, when you’re sending returns and other documents to the IRS. This will provide confirmation that the IRS has actually received your documents or payment. In addition to addressing it correctly and using sufficient postage, be sure the envelope is postmarked no later than the date your return is due. The date of the registration is the postmark date if you use registered mail. The date stamped on the receipt is the postmark date if you use certified mail.
Other Tax Forms
The IRS address may be different if you’re filing something other than a personal tax return. Estimated payments and Form 1040-ES, amended returns, and IRS Form 4868 for tax extensions all have their own individual addresses. The Where to File page on the IRS website provides links for these other forms as well.
Mailing a Business Tax Return
You can find the proper mailing address for various business tax forms on the the IRS website as well:
Mailing addresses for business extensions: Form 7004 Mailing addresses for partnership returns: Form 1065 Mailing addresses for C-corporation returns: Form 1120 Mailing addresses for S-corporation returns: Form 1120-S
How To Mail Tax Returns If You Live Outside the U.S.
You can send your tax return or payment using the U.S. Postal Service if you’re mailing from inside the U.S. Consider using a private delivery service otherwise, especially if you want proof that your tax return was sent on time.
Approved Delivery Services
You can use private delivery services FedEx, UPS, or DHL Express. But you must use one of the approved classes of service for each carrier:
FedEx: Use Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2 Day, International Priority, International First, First Overnight, International First Next Flight Out, or International EconomyUPS: Use Next Day Air, Next Day Air Saver, 2nd Day Air, 2nd Day Air A.M., Worldwide Express Plus, Worldwide Express, or Next Day Air Early AMDHL Express: Use DHL Express, DHL Express Worldwide, DHL Express Envelope, DHL Import Express, or Import Express Worldwide
International taxpayers often mail their returns to Austin, Texas, or to Charlotte, North Carolina, if they’re submitting payment. But the address where you send your return might differ. Check the appropriate address on the IRS website. The IRS will accept the “sent on” date on envelopes sent using an approved carrier just as it does with U.S. mail.
Hand Delivering Your Return
You can hand-deliver your return to a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center under normal circumstances if you can find one located near where you live. You can ask the IRS agent for a stamped receipt upon submitting it. Walk-ins are no longer accepted as of January 2022, although you can call ahead and make an appointment. Masks are required to protect against COVID-19 if you’re located in an area with a high or “substantial” transmission rate. The six-feet-apart rule remains in place. The IRS website provides a search tool based on your zip code, as well as locations, addresses, and phone numbers for each state.
