Form 8822 - Change of Address

[Yardley CPA]

When I complete this form, the tax payers old address continues to populate Page 1 of the 1040.  Is that correct?  In some cases I've changed Page 1 to reflect the taxpayers new address, but I do not know if that should be done?

 

Thank you.

[jklcpa]

Filing the 1040 itself will change the address in the IRS system. You don't need to file the 8822. I only suggest filing the 8822 at times of the year when it isn't close to filing a return.

[Yardley CPA]

JKL...what you're saying is simply reflect the "new" address on the front page of the 1040?  No need to file the form if you do that?

[JMovichEA]

I can't remember the last time I filed an 8822. Most clients don't inform us they've moved until they come in for tax prep anyway. Just correct the address on the 1040.

[jklcpa]

17 minutes ago, Yardley CPA said:

JKL...what you're saying is simply reflect the "new" address on the front page of the 1040?  No need to file the form if you do that?

 

Yes, correct. No need for the 8822.  IRS will update their system to the new address. 

[kcjenkins]

Yes, you only need the 8822 when the client moves after filing, but there are communications going on over some issue.  

[Jack from Ohio]

Just put the current address on the 1040 and any State returns.  No other action needed.

[Matthew in the PNW]

Just in case you ever run into this again....I just filed one of these for the first time because the client never received her refund check because she moved and apparently never reviewed her return prior to signing the 8879.

The IRS agent I called said if the individual called the IRS herself with the amount of the refund, her SSN and something else (listed on the IRS website) then they could make the change on their end and resend a new check to the new address. I filled out the 8822 for the client anyway in case she was asked to fax one over.

 

[FDNY]

As per the IRS website:

Any new address you provide the USPS may also update your address of record on file with the IRS  based on what the USPS retains in its Nat'l Change of Address database.  However, even if you notify the USPS, you should still notify the IRS directly as not all post offices forward government checks.

So if client is waiting for a check, they should file 8822, but as was said here, clients never tell us they moved until tax time.