Question: Rob moved his accounting firm’s office when he downsized in 2021. He knows he has to notify the IRS about the address change. He hopes he can update the mailing address on his preparer tax identification number (PTIN), his electronic filing identification number (EFIN), and his employer identification number (EIN) all at once, either by calling the IRS or by some other means. What is the best way for Rob to update this information given that the IRS phone service is currently overtaxed?
Answer: Rob will have to change his address for each ID number separately for each IRS account by contacting each business unit to make the address change. Ideally, he will use online services to make the changes.
Rob can change his PTIN address using his online account when he does his annual PTIN registration. He will select “Manage PTIN Account Information” to update his address.
Rob’s best option for an EFIN address change is to register for the IRS e-services online registration and information retrieval system. Rob would create an account online through a registration process that requires him to verify his identity. He must have an email address, a Social Security number or individual tax identification number, a financial account number linked to his name (credit card, mortgage, student or auto loan), and, ideally, a mobile phone number linked to his name to facilitate registration. His e-services account also permits him to retrieve client account transcript information if he has a properly executed Form 2848, Power of Attorney, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, on file. If Rob chooses, he may instead call the e-help desk toll-free number at 866-255-0654 to notify the IRS of his address change.
The IRS urges practitioners to protect their EFIN and to use the online services method to monitor and update personal information. The IRS will deactivate the EFIN of a provider when it receives undeliverable mail and will reject all e-filed returns until the updates are made.
The CAF Unit updates your address when you send in Form 2848 or Form 8821 with the “Check if new: Address” box is checked off.
Enrolled agents will have to fax or mail their address change.
Finally, Form 8822-B is used for a business to change its address relating to its EIN. Form 8822-B should be mailed to the appropriate address listed on the form.
About National Association of Tax ProfessionalsThe National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.
The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.
Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing.