If you are one of the millions of taxpayers who prefer to file a paper return or need to mail a payment to the Internal Revenue Service, you might be surprised to find that there is no single mailing address for the IRS.
The correct address for your tax documents depends on three specific factors:
- The state where you live.
- The type of form you are filing (e.g., Form 1040, 1040-ES, or a business return).
- Whether or not you are enclosing a payment.
In this guide, we will help you find the exact location for your paperwork to ensure your taxes are processed on time.
Why Does the IRS Have Multiple Addresses?
The IRS uses various processing centers across the United States (such as those in Austin, TX; Kansas City, MO; and Ogden, UT) to distribute the workload. By separating returns by region and payment status, the agency can process refunds and deposits more efficiently.
Common Mailing Addresses for Form 1040
For most individual taxpayers filing the Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), the addresses are divided by region. Below are the most common scenarios:
1. If You Are Resident of California, Texas, or Florida
- With a Payment: Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 1214, Charlotte, NC 28201-1214.
- Without a Payment: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0002.
2. If You Are Resident of New York or New Jersey
- With a Payment: Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 931000, Louisville, KY 40293-1000.
- Without a Payment: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999-0002.
3. If You Live Outside the United States (International)
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living in a foreign country, your address is generally:
- With a Payment: Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 1303, Charlotte, NC 28201-1303 USA.
- Without a Payment: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA.
Note: Addresses can change annually. Always check the official IRS.gov Interactive Tax Assistant or the instruction booklet for your specific tax year.
Where to Find Your Specific Address
If your state wasn’t listed above, you can find the correct address using these two official methods:
- Form Instructions: Look at the very last pages of the Instructions for Form 1040. There is a table titled “Where Do You File?” categorized by state.
- IRS Website: Search “Where to File” on IRS.gov to see a clickable map of the United States that provides the exact address for every form type.
Tips for Mailing Your Tax Return
To avoid delays or penalties, follow these best practices when mailing documents to the IRS:
- Use the Right Envelope: If you received a tax package in the mail, use the envelope provided.
- Separate Returns: If you are filing for multiple years, mail each year in a separate envelope.
- Certified Mail: Use U.S. Certified Mail with a return receipt requested. This provides you with legal proof that you mailed your return on time.
- Private Delivery Services: The IRS only accepts specific private delivery services (like certain FedEx, UPS, and DHL options). Check the IRS website for the current list of “Designated Private Delivery Services” if you aren’t using USPS.
- Don’t Forget the Stamp: It sounds simple, but “postage due” mail is often returned to the sender, which could make your filing late.
A Faster Alternative: E-Filing
While mailing is still an option, the IRS strongly recommends e-filing. Electronic returns are typically processed in less than 21 days, whereas paper returns can take six to eight weeks (or longer during peak season). E-filing also eliminates the risk of your return getting lost in the mail or being sent to the wrong service center.
Summary
The mailing address for the IRS is not “one size fits all.” Always verify the address based on your current state of residence and whether you are attaching a check. When in doubt, the Instruction 1040 booklet is your most reliable resource.