The USPS does not routinely forward IRS and other government-related mails. Although some post offices might take responsibility, it is not the norm. Hence, the best step after relocating is manually registering a change of address with the government agencies. Read on to uncover why USPS doesn’t forward government mails and how to ensure that you keep receiving your IRS mails after relocating. 

Why USPS Doesn’t Forward IRS Mail?

Although there is no definitive answer to why the United States Postal Services doesn’t forward government-related mails, there is a plausible theory. The theory states that since government mails are often considered sensitive, the government is careful with how they send them. 

For instance, the government sometimes mails social security cards and money. Hence, it is likely that the mail’s components are tampered with either in the mailbox or while in transit. No one wants their government-related mail messed with or stolen. And the US government doesn’t want that either. Government agencies prefer to prevent mistakes and errors of this kind rather than solve them. 

Although it is not convenient for you as a newly relocated, the government is trying its best to exercise caution and be safe. Regardless of the law, some post offices still forward your IRS mails to your new address. However, note that it is an exception and not the norm peradventure it happens to you. 

How Do You Receive Your IRS Mails From USPS After You Relocate?

It is common for those who recently relocated to feel anxious about missing out on some mails. And this especially intensifies when the mail in question is government-related, like the IRS mail. 

Hence, it is critical that you directly inform your postal service of your address change as soon as you can. And yes, just undergoing a USPS change of address isn’t enough. 

Here are ways to ensure that your IRS and other government-related mails get to your new location: 

If there are any IRS offices in your region, visit them. And if there are no offices nearby, you can contact them at 1-800-829-1040. Their lines are open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.  

If you aren’t onboard with visiting or calling the IRS office and you have a luxury of time, you can fill out a change of address form and mail it to them. You can check the guide to know where to mail the form from your location.

Alternatively, if it is the tax season (between January and Mid April), you can bring the IRS up to date on your new address by inputting your new address when you pay your tax.  

Perhaps you are looking for a temporary solution; you can opt to pay for USPS premium forwarding service. This service costs $20.90 at first and later $22.75 per week. However, this is not a permanent solution. 

Conclusion

The USPS (United States Postal Service) doesn’t forward government agencies’ mails (including the IRS mails.) This is due to how sensitive and personal they are. Rather, the obligation lies on you, as the newly relocated, to contact the affected agencies and update your new address as quickly as possible. 

Here is a list of the mail that the United States Postal Service doesn’t typically forward. 

Any mail regarding social securityNon-profit mail/Bulk mailBound, printed matter

Government check–Tax refunds and Stimulus Lightweight packages

There are instances where people would acknowledge receiving their stimulus checks at their new location, claiming the USPS forwarded them. Although this is possible, it should be considered an anomaly rather than a norm. Hence, treat the first two elements of the list above like the USPS wouldn’t forward them, and be proactive about informing the IRS and other concerned government agencies about your change of address. 

Typically, the USPS doesn’t forward government refund checks, be it a stimulus payment or tax refund. Regardless, there are anecdotal instances where some post offices send the checks. Although it might seem like a big crime, it isn’t. That aside, the guaranteed way to ensure your checks reach you is by submitting a change of address to the IRS. You can consult any of the methods above to do that.