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Does USPS Forward IRS and Other Government Mail?

does usps forward irs and other government mail

Are you planning to move to a new house or business location? There are a lot of things to think about when you are making a move; in fact, it can be one of the most stressful experiences that most people are faced with.

One of the biggest concerns for many people is that important pieces of mail will get lost. While the United States Postal Service offers a forwarding service, there are certain restrictions. 

So, let’s find out, ‘does USPS forward IRS and other government mail?’

About The Change Of Address Service

The United States Postal Service offers a free mail forwarding service to anyone who changes addresses. All you need to do is visit a post office branch and complete a Change of Address form. While you can also complete the form online, you will be charged an identity verification fee of $1.05.

After you complete the form, your mail will be forwarded to your new address for up to one year. This ensures that you won’t miss out on your post. However, bear in mind that it can take up to two weeks for your post to find its way to you. 

About The Change Of Address Service

Restrictions

It should be noted that the United States Postal Service does not forward all types of post. Therefore, it is important to take the time to notify different agencies of your new address. 

Types of Post that is Not Usually Forwarded Includes:

  • Government checks.
  • Social Security communications.
  • Bulk mail.
  • Lightweight packages.
  • Bound and printed matter like magazines.

Sensitive Mail 

USPS does not forward any type of post from government agencies. This includes communications from the DMV, IRS, government checks, and social security post. The main reason for this is that this type of post is likely to contain sensitive information.

If you lose your social security card, you can contact the United States Social Security Administration via their website. A new card will then be sent to you through the post. The last thing you want is for someone to get their hands on your new card and access your financial information.

Especially Your Tax Refund

Government post can also contain large amounts of money, especially if you receive a tax refund. If the post falls into the wrong hands, you could lose it all. As a result, the government sets the rule that government-issued mail cannot be redirected to a new address.

How To Receive IRS and Government Mail After Moving?

You need to reach out to the Inland Revenue Service and let them know you have a new address. If you have an IRS office near your home, it is probably easiest to visit in person. It is a good idea to call in advance between 07:00 and 19:00 and make an appointment if possible. The contact number of the IRS is 1-800-829-1040.

How To Receive IRS and Government Mail After Moving

Do it online

Alternatively, you can find a Change of Address form on the IRS website. You simply need to print out the form, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS. 

If you need to notify the IRS about your new address between January and April, the process will be simple. All you need to do is update your address when you fill out your taxes. All future correspondence will then be sent to your new address. 

Government Refund Checks

The last thing you want is to miss out on a stimulus payment or tax refund. The best way to avoid this is by sending the IRS a change of address form. However, it is also a good idea to change the payment method to direct debit if you haven’t done so already. This will make sure that any money you are owed will go directly into your bank account. 

DMV Mail

Each state boasts a different branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles. You need to contact the branch in your state to inform them of your new address. According to the law, you need to do this within ten days of moving to a new building.

Fortunately, this is a quick and easy process that can be completed online. The website for the DMV in your state will feature the information you need to guide you through the process. You will usually have to pay a fee to register your new address, which can vary between different states. For example, the typical fee is $11 in Minnesota, while it is $30.50 in Pennsylvania. 

The Premium Forwarding Service

The United States Postal Service provides an additional option for people who want to have sensitive mail redirected. This is a temporary service that makes sure all your post will reach your new address. After enrolling in the service, you will be charged a fee of $20.90. After this, the cost of the service is $22.75 each week.

Make Sure Your Mail Arrives Safely!

Learning more about the USPS posting methods will help you to be informed when it comes to your parcel. So, let’s start with Does USPS Print Labels, as well as What Is A USPS Parcel Locker, and How Long Does USPS Hold Packages in case you weren’t home for delivery.

Have peace of mind by finding out Does USPS Have First Class Tracking, followed by Can You Track A USPS Package Without A Tracking Number, along with what is the Departed USPS Destination Facility Meaning, and What Does Delivered To An Agent Mean USPS in 2023?

Lastly, you might be wondering what to do when USPS Says Delivered But No Package, or even How To Refuse A Package USPS, and if you’re getting worried about your parcel, Does USPS Deliver On Sunday, as well as Does USPS Deliver At Night?

Final Thoughts

As a rule of thumb, the United States Postal Service does not forward government mail. This is because it is likely to include sensitive information. If the post falls into the wrong hands while it is being redirected, this could result in a serious issue.

However, some post office branches mail agree to redirect this type of post if you turn on the charm. However, there is no guarantee that this will work, and it is best to find an alternative solution. The best option is to inform different government agencies about your new address as soon as possible.

Good luck with your move and receiving your mail!


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1 thought on “Does USPS Forward IRS and Other Government Mail?”

  1. I’m moving to a non-permanent address. I have just begun working as a contract worker for months at a time. I do not know when I will be notified by the govt of my refund or any other issues with my tax return. Therefore, I do not know which address to use. I fill out mail forwarding requests when I’ve moved but since USPS does not forward govt mail, how do I ensure the govt will contact me properly? Use direct deposit bank account information on taxes rather than requesting a physical check is what I already do. But what if there is issue with my return? Will they be able to email me rather than a letter sent to one of my old addresses? I may have 3+ addresses in a year. Thank you.

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About Wendy Young

Wendy runs an employment agency with her husband, Ian, in Rochester, New York.

She loves nothing more than hosting a good dinner party and spends weeks intricately planning her next 'event.' She often uses these to introduce clients to potential employers in a relaxed, informal fashion. The food must be delicious, the cocktails and wine must be a perfect match, and the decor needs to impress without being over the top. With all that going on, it's amazing that she gets any time to write about her thoughts on securing the dream job.

They live on the outskirts of New York with their poodle, Princess.

1 thought on “Does USPS Forward IRS and Other Government Mail?”

  1. I’m moving to a non-permanent address. I have just begun working as a contract worker for months at a time. I do not know when I will be notified by the govt of my refund or any other issues with my tax return. Therefore, I do not know which address to use. I fill out mail forwarding requests when I’ve moved but since USPS does not forward govt mail, how do I ensure the govt will contact me properly? Use direct deposit bank account information on taxes rather than requesting a physical check is what I already do. But what if there is issue with my return? Will they be able to email me rather than a letter sent to one of my old addresses? I may have 3+ addresses in a year. Thank you.

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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