Where to Send Income Tax Returns

Filing an income tax return is a yearly obligation for most individuals. A part of this process is ensuring the completed forms reach the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) correctly. Submitting your return to the proper location helps facilitate timely processing by the agency. Failure to do so can lead to delays and other complications. Understanding the correct submission procedure for your specific situation ensures that your tax obligations are met efficiently and your return is handled without setbacks.

Determining the Correct Mailing Address

The IRS does not use a single mailing address for all paper-filed tax returns. The correct destination for your Form 1040 depends on specific factors, the most significant being the state or U.S. territory where you reside. Your physical address dictates which IRS service center is designated to handle your return, with centers located in cities like Kansas City, Missouri and Ogden, Utah.

Another factor is whether you are enclosing a payment with your tax return. The IRS uses separate P.O. boxes for returns with a payment versus those without. For example, a taxpayer from a certain state might send a return without a payment to an address in Kansas City, but if they were including a payment, they would need to send it to a different address in Louisville, Kentucky.

The specific form you are filing also influences the destination. While most individuals file Form 1040, other forms like Form 1040-NR for non-resident aliens have their own mailing locations. To find the correct address, consult the official instructions for the form you are filing or use the “Where to File” page on the IRS website, which is updated for the current tax season.

Preparing Your Return for Mailing

Once you have identified the correct IRS mailing address, properly assembling your tax return is the next step. Place your primary form, such as the Form 1040, on top. Any accompanying schedules or additional forms should be arranged in order of their “Attachment Sequence Number,” which is printed in the upper-right corner of each document.

Supporting statements should be placed last, arranged in the same order as the forms or schedules they support. Copies of forms that show federal tax withholding, like Form W-2 or Form 1099-R, should be attached to the front of the Form 1040. It is recommended to use a single staple or paper clip in the upper-left corner to hold all the pages together.

If you are including a payment, do not staple or attach the check or money order to the return. The payment should be made payable to the “U.S. Treasury,” and you should write your name, address, Social Security number, the tax year, and form number on the front of the check. Include a completed Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, in the envelope but do not attach it. For proof of filing, consider using a U.S. Postal Service certified mail service.

Electronic Filing Options

As an alternative to mailing a paper return, the IRS offers several electronic filing, or e-filing, options. These methods are a secure and often faster way to submit your tax information.

• IRS Free File Guided Software: A partnership between the IRS and tax preparation companies, this allows individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below a certain threshold ($84,000 for the 2025 filing season) to use guided tax software at no cost.
• IRS Free File Fillable Forms: This option provides electronic versions of paper IRS forms that can be filled out and submitted online by taxpayers of any income level. This method does not include step-by-step guidance and is best for those comfortable preparing taxes without assistance.
• Commercial Tax Software: Taxpayers can purchase software from companies like TurboTax or H&R Block. These products guide users through the tax preparation process with a question-and-answer format before allowing them to e-file.
• Authorized E-file Provider: A final option is to work with a tax professional, such as a certified public accountant (CPA), who will prepare and submit the return on your behalf.

What to Expect After Submission

The confirmation and processing timeline will differ based on your filing method. If you e-file, you will receive an electronic confirmation that the IRS has accepted your return within 24 to 48 hours. For paper filers, confirmation is less direct; a cashed check can serve as acknowledgment of receipt, or tracking information from certified mail can confirm delivery.

The IRS provides an online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to track the status of your return, which is accessible on the IRS website or through the IRS2Go mobile app. To use it, you will need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount. The tool is updated once every 24 hours, often overnight.

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool displays three stages: “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent.” For e-filed returns, status information is available within 24 hours of submission, but for mailed paper returns, you should wait at least four weeks before checking. Once your refund is approved, the tool provides a projected date for when the funds will be sent.