CPA Question About PO Box For Home Address

Does a Local Tax Office Allow a P.O. Box Address on a tax return, W-9, or W-4?

Yes, they will let you use a P.O. box address on your annual return only if your post office doesn’t have access to deliver mail to your home. The W-9 and W-4 instructions do not specifically say if a P.O. box is allowed, however, the 1040 (tax return) instructions state that a P.O. box is allowed if mail is not delivered to your home address. This is often the case!

If you are changing your address in the near future and are uncertain of your next home address, a P.O. box may be the best fit for your needs. Ultimately the IRS wants to ensure you’re receiving their contacts and that you respond promptly to any inquiries they happen to mail out.

If mail being stolen is a serious concern where you reside, we always recommend the most logical and most stable option to ensure you receive any communications from the IRS. In this circumstance, a P.O. box may be the top option to allow you receive any letters or refund checks coming to you.

If you need to change your mailing address with the US, there are three convenient ways to change the address kept on file:
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• Complete a Form 8822 and mail it directly to the government
• File your taxes
• Contact the IRS directly

It’s important to note, according to Bailey at Cedar Creek Lake Jet Ski Rentals, that if you update your address by mail it can take the IRS several weeks to get your file updated, so make sure you have mail forwarding set up with your post office.