Where to Mail IRS Tax Returns (2025): Find the Right Address by State & Form
Mail Your Tax Return Without Going to the Post Office
Upload your tax return and we'll print it, add certified mail with return receipt (for proof of filing), and mail it to the IRS the same day.
Send Tax Return via Certified MailMailing your federal tax return to the wrong IRS address can delay your refund by weeks or months. The IRS has multiple processing centers, and the correct address depends on your state, which form you're filing, and whether you're including a payment. This guide shows you exactly where to mail your IRS tax return and how to do it safely.
Important: Always Verify the Address
IRS addresses can change. Before mailing, verify the current address:
- • Check the instructions that came with your tax form
- • Visit IRS.gov/WhereToFile
- • The address varies by state, form type, and payment status
Table of Contents
How IRS Mailing Addresses Work
The IRS operates several processing centers across the country. Your tax return goes to a specific center based on:
Address Determined By:
- • Your state of residence
- • Which tax form you're filing
- • Whether payment is enclosed
- • Type of return (individual, business, amended)
Main IRS Processing Centers:
- • Austin, TX - Southern states
- • Kansas City, MO - Midwest/Eastern states
- • Ogden, UT - Western states
Note: Returns with payment use separate lockbox addresses that vary by state.
Where to Mail IRS Tax Returns by State (Form 1040, No Payment)
If you're filing Form 1040 or 1040-SR without a payment, use these IRS addresses for Form 1040:
Note: These addresses are for reference. Always verify at IRS.gov "Where to File Paper Tax Returns" before mailing, as addresses can change.
| If you live in... | Mail to... |
|---|---|
| Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0002 |
| Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0002 |
| Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201-0002 |
Where to Mail Your Federal Tax Return: Amended Returns (Form 1040-X)
Amended tax returns (Form 1040-X) go to different addresses than original returns. The address depends on your state:
| If you live in... | Mail Form 1040-X to... |
|---|---|
| Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0052 |
| Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201-0052 |
| Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin | Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
International Filers & Special Cases
If you're in a foreign country, U.S. territory, using an APO/FPO address, or filing Form 2555 or 4563:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0215
Amended Return Tips
- • Processing takes 16+ weeks (not the typical 21 days)
- • Electronic filing is now available for many 1040-X returns
- • Include copies of any forms or schedules that changed
- • Use certified mail for proof of filing date
Returns with Payment Enclosed
If you're enclosing a payment with your tax return, you must use a different address than no-payment returns. Payment addresses vary by state—check the current IRS instructions before mailing.
Important: Payment Address Varies by State
The IRS uses different lockbox addresses for payment processing depending on your state. Common payment destinations include Louisville, KY and Charlotte, NC, but the correct address depends on where you live.
Always verify your payment address at IRS.gov "Where to File Paper Tax Returns" before mailing—select "With a payment" to find the correct address for your state.
Payment Tips
- • Make checks payable to "United States Treasury"
- • Write your SSN, tax year, and form number on the check
- • Include Form 1040-V (payment voucher) with your check
- • Don't staple or paperclip your payment to the return
- • See our guide to mailing IRS payments safely
How to Mail Your Tax Return Safely
Step 1: Double-Check Everything
- • Verify all information is accurate and complete
- • Sign and date your return
- • Attach all required schedules and forms
- • Include W-2s and 1099s if required
- • Make copies of everything for your records
Step 2: Use the Correct Address
- • Verify address on IRS.gov (addresses change)
- • Don't use old addresses from previous years
- • Match address to your form type and payment status
- • Include your return address on the envelope
Step 3: Choose the Right Mail Service
- • Regular First-Class Mail - Works but no proof of delivery
- • Certified Mail - Provides tracking and proof of mailing
- • Certified Mail with Return Receipt - Best option, proves delivery
- • The postmark date counts as your filing date
Step 4: Keep Records
- • Keep copies of your entire return
- • Save your certified mail receipt
- • Save the return receipt (green card) when it comes back
- • Keep records for at least 3 years (7 years recommended)
Using Certified Mail for Tax Returns
Certified Mail provides legal proof that you mailed your tax return by the deadline. This is critical if:
Why Use Certified Mail?
- • Proves you filed on time if disputed
- • Tracking shows when IRS received it
- • Return receipt confirms delivery
- • Peace of mind for important documents
Certified Mail Costs (2025)
- • Certified Mail fee: $4.85
- • Return Receipt (electronic): $2.62
- • Return Receipt (physical): $4.10
- • Plus regular postage (check USPS.com for current rates)
Send Your Tax Return Online
Don't want to go to the post office? Upload your tax return and we'll send it via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt to the IRS.
Mail My Tax ReturnFrequently Asked Questions
Where do I mail my federal tax return?
The IRS mailing address depends on your state and which form you're filing. Most Form 1040 returns go to IRS processing centers in Austin TX, Kansas City MO, or Ogden UT. Check the IRS instructions for your specific form or search "Where to File Paper Tax Returns" on IRS.gov for the current addresses.
Should I use certified mail to send my tax return?
Yes, using USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt provides proof that your tax return was mailed and received by the IRS. This protects you if there's ever a dispute about when you filed. The IRS accepts the postmark date as your filing date.
What happens if I mail my tax return to the wrong address?
If you mail your return to the wrong IRS address, it will likely be forwarded to the correct processing center, but this can cause significant delays (weeks or months). Your return may be considered late if it doesn't reach the correct center by the deadline.
Does the IRS accept tax returns by regular mail?
Yes, the IRS accepts tax returns by regular First-Class Mail. However, certified mail is recommended because it provides a tracking number and proof of delivery. The postmark date counts as your filing date regardless of delivery method.
When is the deadline to mail my tax return?
For most individual taxpayers, the deadline is typically April 15 (or the next business day if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday). The IRS may announce extensions for specific situations, so check IRS.gov for the current year's deadline. The IRS uses the postmark date, so your return must be postmarked by the deadline—it doesn't need to arrive by then.
Can I track my mailed tax return?
If you use Certified Mail, you can track delivery on USPS.com using your tracking number. After processing (usually 4+ weeks for paper returns), you can check your refund status at IRS.gov/Refunds or use the IRS2Go app.
Mail Your Tax Return the Easy Way
Upload your tax return and we'll mail it via Certified Mail with Return Receipt to the IRS—same-day processing for orders by 8 PM ET.
Send Tax Return NowRelated IRS Mailing Guides
Last updated: • IRS mailing addresses for 2025 tax returns
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