Are you planning on moving your place of business?
If so, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Not only do you have to change locations and update your address with state business agencies, but you’ll also need to notify the federal government.
By law, you’re required to submit an IRS change of business address update if you’re running an LLC, C Corp, or S Corp, and you’ve changed your business mailing address, location, or the identity of your responsible party.
Can You Let the IRS Know About a Change of Business Address in Advance?
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In some cases, you can notify the IRS in advance via letter, provided you include the following information:
- Business name
- Previous business address
- Current business address
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Signature from an authorized party
Alternatively, you can complete an IRS change of address form (Form 8822B) to let them know about your move. This ensures that you’ll receive any tax-related mail, refunds, and additional correspondences in a timely manner.
What Is Form 8822B and Why Is It Important?
Titled “Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business,” Form 8822B is used to notify the Internal Revenue Service if you’ve changed:
- Your business mailing address
- Your business’ physical location
- The party responsible for your business
Form 8822B is important for two reasons:
1. It Helps Your Business Avoid Missed Correspondences
The IRS typically uses your last known address to send you important documents and other correspondence. If you fail to notify them of a change in your address, they’ll continue sending notices, refunds, bills, and the like to your old address — even though you aren’t there.
During this period, you might not receive important communications from the government. This could result in financial and legal penalties from not paying a tax debt or failing to respond to some IRS correspondence.
Although you can update your address through the US Postal System, it must be done in addition to submitting Form 8822B. The post office doesn't forward all mail you receive and could neglect to send an important check or letter to your new business address.
2. It Updates the IRS on Important Changes in Your Business Details
As a business, you most likely have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is also your Federal Tax Identification Number, which is used to identify you as a unique business entity — much like a Social Security Number is used for individuals.
As part of obtaining your EIN, you had to disclose information about the “responsible party” (the individual who is in charge and in control of assets) for your business. If the responsible party for your business changes, you must update the IRS.
You have 60 days from the date of any such change to use Form 8822B to notify the IRS This is a necessary step for LLCs and Corporations. A Sole proprietorship may also need to comply if you’re working from home and move to a new residence — if this applies to you, you’ll also need the standard Form 8822.
How Do I Complete Form 8822B?
It’ll take anywhere from four to six weeks for the IRS to fully process your change of address request, so don’t delay completing your form to ensure a smooth transition.
It’ll be easier to complete if you understand what information Form 8822B is asking for, and where to send it when you’re done. Here are some tips to help you complete and mail your form:
- After downloading and printing Form 8822B, indicate whether or not your organization is tax-exempt. For guidance on this matter, you should refer to Publication 557, which discusses the tax exemption rules and qualifications.
- Indicate which aspects of your business the change will affect. Provide your business name, EIN, old business address, new business address, new business location, and new responsible party (if applicable).
- Sign and date the form. Provide a telephone number so the IRS can contact you if they have any questions.
Next, you’ll need to physically mail your signed and completed copy of Form 8822B to one of two IRS locations:
- Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, Missouri, United States 64999
- Internal Revenue Service Ogden, Utah, United States 84201-0023
Don’t worry, you won’t need to flip a coin to determine location best applies to your form submission. Page one of Form 8822B, provides instructions on which site is appropriate for you, based on the state in which your old business address was located.
Are There Other Ways to Accomplish an IRS Change of Business Address?
If you aren’t keen on writing a letter or mailing form 8822B yourself, you can try an oral notification to the IRS.
You can contact your local IRS office and provide the necessary details of your address change in person or over the phone. You can find the Taxpayer Assistance Center Office nearest you by running a search with your zip code online. Consider making an appointment ahead of time to speed up the process.
Whether you go in-person or call in, you’ll need to provide the same information on Form 8822B. In addition, the IRS may ask for a current government-issued photo ID or taxpayer identification number (Social Security Number) to confirm your identity.
If you don’t want to call or visit your local IRS office, you can use Bold PDF to complete the process online form. It walks you through the same information as a printed copy of Form 8822B. This efficient online option lets you provide the necessary details of your address —or responsible party — change to the IRS without leaving your office.
For many businesses, it’s most convenient to send the IRS a change of address update online. Be sure to keep this option in mind before you jump through the hoops of downloading, printing, and mailing Form 8822B to the IRS — or contacting your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.