Accidentally Put Wrong Address on US Tax Return
Published on September 08, 2023
Updated on April 09, 2025
Reviewed by
Clark Stott has been with Expat Tax Online since 2015. Being a dual national based in the UK, Clark has unique experience helping US citizens (and Accidental Americans) become tax compliant via the Streamlined Tax Amnesty program. Clark likes to help Americans in the UK keep their tax situations as simple as possible to avoid harsh IRS treatment.
Table of Contents
File Form 8822 to update your address with the IRS.
Don’t worry! It’s a common mistake by Americans living abroad. You just need to contact the IRS right away to inform them and then amend your tax return using a special form.
Will the IRS reject my tax return if my address is wrong?
Not necessarily. Your tax return may still be processed as usual, if there are no other errors, it will more likely not affect your tax liability, refund, or any owed balance.
However, it’s essential to act quickly and amend the return because having the wrong address can cause other issues, such as missing IRS notices or refund checks.
How do I amend my tax return?
The IRS has a specific form for correcting your already filed tax return: Form 1040X. This can be filed electronically if you filed your original tax return online or mail it to the IRS if you filed it on paper.
Here are the required documentation:
- Form 1040X to make the amendment.
- Any other forms or schedules that are affected by thse change.
- Your original tax return.
- The new address and any supporting documentation.
- Details of any other changes, if applicable.
The correction process is almost similar to filing a regular 1040. You need to complete and submit the form with the required documentation. Then, wait for the return to process and for the IRS to notify you.
Can I use a foreign address on my US tax return?
Yes, a foreign address is allowed when filing your US tax return. Just make sure to have a US bank account for paying taxes and receiving your tax refund.
How do I identify and review mistakes on my US tax return?
Understanding how you discovered the mistake can guide your next steps. Here are some vital steps to start with:
- Review your original return for other potential errors.
- Prepare an amended return using the appropriate form, such as Form 1040X.
- Gather necessary documentation to support the correction.
- Consult with a tax professional if you need assistance.
Why use the IRS Streamlined Tax Amnesty Program?
It’s for American citizens that didn’t know they had to file US tax returns each year, and have therefore fallen behind. Some more than 30 years! With the IRS Streamlined Procedure, say goodbye to overdue tax returns, late fees, and penalties.
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How long do I have to correct my US tax return?
You can correct your wrong address or any other error on your federal tax return within three years of the original filing date.
If that’s not enough, you can also request an extension if you expect to exceed the 3-year timeframe. You can file Form 4868 to buy some more time to get things in order. This is to request an automatic extension of time to file a US individual income tax return.
Are there consequences for providing the wrong address?
Usually, an honest mistake like an incorrect address won’t incur penalties. But if you owe additional taxes, it might alter how you’re notified.
For your UK tax obligations, generally, an incorrect US address shouldn’t affect your UK taxes, but it’s worth double-checking all the information to make sure everything aligns with your UK tax obligations.
But there is usually a delay in processing and receiving your refunds, so you might want to get on top of this as soon as possible.
Do I need to contact the IRS regarding the wrong address?
You’ll probably need to get in touch with the IRS’s specific department for address corrections through 1-800-829-1040.
You can also track the progress of the correction with the IRS to ensure that address corrections are processed successfully and effectively. If you receive a notice from the IRS, don’t ignore it. Respond promptly and keep all communication well-documented.
How can I prevent this type of error in my future filings?
Here are some strategies and best practices to prevent address errors in future tax filings:
- Track important documents: Gather and organize all forms (W-9, foreign bank statements, etc.) and receipts as you receive them and maintain clear records of it.
- Double-check information: Before submitting your return, consider going through each piece of information thoroughly. Check that your name, Social Security number, and address are accurate.
- File electronically: Using tax software can help reduce mistakes by guiding you through each section and performing calculations automatically. Many tax software platforms offer built-in verification tools.
Can I notify the IRS of an address change before I file my tax return?
Yes, it is a good idea to inform the IRS in advance of your new address. You can file Form 8822 or “Change of Address” so the IRS will automatically use the new address on your return to update their records.
This will avoid issues with refund checks, IRS notices, and correspondence. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for the IRS to process Form 8822.
What is the difference between Form 8822 and Form 1040X?
Form 1040X amends a previously fixed tax return for errors committed, while Form 8822 notifies the IRS of a change in home or business mailing address, which involves updating contact information.
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