Moving can be a pain, and more importantly, it can be expensive. After buying boxes, hiring movers, and placing down a security deposit, the bills start to add up. And then you remember that you have to change the address on your driver’s license, your car’s registration, and give the Postal Service your new address too. Not to mention having to learn how to change your address with the IRS can be a challenge. Even with a change of address checklist, moving itself can be a hectic time.
In which case, if you’re trying to calculate your budget, you might be wondering: how much does it cost to change your address. In order to answer that question, we’ve broken down address changes by institution.
There’s going to be some cost involved in changing your address. For example, even the United States Postal Service (USPS) charges a fee to set up a mail redirection service online. For your fee, the service will intercept mail originally sent to your old address and divert it directly to your new address.
Additionally, states also require that your driver’s license has the most up-to-date contact information for you on it. Getting a reprinted driver’s license or ID card is not always free, either.
Updating your vehicle’s registration address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can also be time-consuming and expensive. And after waiting in line at the DMV, you may be faced with a vehicle registration fee as high as $237 (as is the case in California).
If you’re asking yourself, “Can I change my address online,” you are in luck. In a few cases, changing your address can be done online—however, this is not always the case. The ways in which you can change your contact information are dependent upon how you go about updating your address.
In some states (like Oklahoma), the only way to change your address with their state’s DMV is to process the paperwork in person or by sending it through the mail. This can make the process of updating your contact information (with your new address) a complicated and laborious matter.
The IRS provides several ways of updating your contact information with them—however, the process is not always easy or straightforward. One option is to download, print, and fill out Form 8822 from the IRS’ website. Once you’ve filled out this form, you can send it via the Postal Service to the IRS.
Additionally, you could simply wait until the next time you file your taxes to update your address. This is the easiest way to update your address with the IRS, but it does come with a fair amount of risk.
Until the time your new contact information has been put into the IRS’ system, you are responsible to comply with all notices, even those sent to your prior address. This could potentially present problems if a notice arrives at your old address.
Alternatively, you can try calling the IRS or visiting an office directly. It is also important to mention that should you change your address in person at an IRS office, your spouse will need to join you if you filed your taxes jointly.
The good news is that for certain individuals, you can change your address with the Social Security Administration online.
Anyone who has a “My Social Security” account online can use the Social Security website to update their address. This will allow them to change the address to which their Social Security checks are mailed completely online.
However, if you do not have a “My Social Security” account, you cannot change your address online. You could try calling the Social Security Administration at +1 (800) 772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to update your address.
Unfortunately, there is no exact formula to calculate your address change cost, and, in fact, it can differ wildly depending on a multitude of factors from your motor vehicle to a specific address request. For example:
Changing your address and calculating the costs of each “filing fee” is an absolute hassle. But here we make the process easy, affordable, and completely doable online. No need to wait in line at the post office and no agonizing hold times with the IRS. We’ve created the ultimate platform for all government services using smart technology. Combining this cloud-based technology with an expert customer service team, changing your address will be a breeze!
If you need help changing your address, reach out to us today! We’d love to mitigate the headache and ensure a seamless process.
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