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If your return cannot be e-filed, you must submit it to the IRS by post
TFX will e-file your return whenever possible. In some instances, however, the IRS does not allow taxpayers to e-file their returns, for example:
If you are filing an amended return.
If you are filing using the Streamlined Procedures.
If you are filing an older return: the IRS currently only allows taxpayers to e-file their returns for the past three years.
Review the Final Instructions document we prepared
Determining whether you need to mail your tax return depends on various factors. To remove any uncertainty, once we have completed your return, we will provide you with a Final Instructions document. This document will outline precisely when and where you should mail your tax return, tailored to your specific circumstances.
Double-check all sensitive data is unmasked/not hidden
Double-check that all sensitive data (like yours, spouse's, child's SSNs, or bank Make sure all sensitive information—such as your, your spouse’s, or your child’s Social Security Numbers (SSNs), as well as any bank account details — is visible and not masked, as the IRS requires unmasked data to process your return.
Print all pages (single-sided)
We recommend that you print your entire tax return (single-sided) and enclose all pages from the PDF file we provided (including those marked "For Your Records"). Either a U.S. letter or a European A4 size is acceptable.
Why include pages marked "For Your Records?" These worksheets may help the IRS understand how you calculated some of the figures on your return. There's certainly no harm in adding them in.
Attach all the U.S. tax forms we prepared. If you were provided any other U.S. tax forms by other institutions (such as Forms 1099-B, 1099-G, W-2, etc.), enclose them with your return.
Physically sign the printed return
Returns submitted by mail require the taxpayer's wet signature (you can't electronically sign the PDF on your computer; you must physically sign the printed return with a physical pen). Sign and date page 2 of Form 1040. If you are filing jointly, both spouses must sign the form.
Do not enclose any non-U.S. documents
Unless you are responding to an IRS request or filing an amended return requiring that you include foreign documentation as proof to request a refund, do not attach non-U.S. forms to your tax return.
You should keep any foreign tax forms you receive for your records, but please do not send your Australian PAYG Summary or your Swiss Certificat de Salaire to the IRS: they won't know what to do with them.
When to send a return to the IRS
The IRS considers the postmark date of your return, not the date it is received. If your return is postmarked by the filing deadline, it will not be considered late, regardless of when it arrives. This rule applies to filing deadlines on April 15, June 15, October 15, and December 15.
Where and how to mail personal federal returns
If your federal tax return cannot be filed electronically, you must mail a printed copy with a wet (handwritten) signature. Please note that your tax preparer will provide a Final Instructions document, which may list a specific IRS mailing address based on your individual situation.
IRS mailing addresses for paper federal returns:
If you live outside the United States:
Without a tax payment (e.g., no balance due or payment made online), mail your federal return to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USAWith a tax payment, mail your federal return to:
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201-1303
USAIf using a Private Delivery Service (PDS) — Courier delivery, such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL Express, send your federal return with or without a tax payment to the following address:
Austin - Internal Revenue Submission Processing Center
3651 S IH 35,
Austin, TX 78741USA
If you live within the United States:
Use the address specified on the IRS website based on your U.S. state of residence and whether you are including a payment: Where to mail your Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.
For more information on IRS mailing addresses, refer to the IRS website: Where to file paper tax returns with or without a payment.
Where and how to mail state returns
If your state return cannot be filed electronically, you must mail your return to the State Tax Authority with a wet signature. Each state has a specific mailing address. Refer to the following articles to find the appropriate address:
❗ Important notes:
When mailing your state return, include a copy of your federal return. This copy does not need to be signed; it is for reference only.
Attach a copy of any U.S. tax forms showing state tax withheld, e.g., Form W-2, 1099, etc. Additionally, include state-specific forms that may have tax withheld, e.g., CA Form 592 and many more.
You can check the status of your state tax return on the State tax department’s website. Refer to State web portals for tax payments & refunds for more information.
Where and how to mail non-personal returns
IRS does not allow e-filing of certain non-personal returns (Forms 3520/3520-A for foreign trusts, Form 709 for gifts, and Form 1120-F for certain foreign corporations).
Form | Mailing address |
Forms 1120-F, 3520 and 3520-A | Internal Revenue Service Center |
Form 709 | Department of the Treasury If using a Private Delivery Service (PDS), file at this address: |
Form 5472 with Proforma 1120 (for nonresidents owning solely a disregarded U.S. LLC, aka a foreign-owned U.S. DE (FOUSDE)) | Write “Foreign-owned U.S. DE” across the top of the form and either:
Internal Revenue Service 1973 Rulon White Blvd M/S 6112 Attn: PIN Unit Ogden, UT 84201 |
Note: Form 1040 is e-filed or mailed on paper separately to a different address.
U.S. trust and business returns (forms 1041, 1120, 1120-S, 1065) are usually e-filed. However, tax returns for the previous years or returns submitted during the IRS winter maintenance period (November-December) must be mailed.
U.S. business returns are mailed separately from individual tax returns to a different IRS office. The mailing address depends on the U.S. state where the business is incorporated, the number of gross receipts, and whether you enclose payment or not. You can find the mailing address for your type of federal business return here:
State business returns are mailed to the state of business registration. Each state has a distinct mailing address; please refer to the State web portals for tax payments & refunds article to obtain the appropriate address.
Business returns for foreign corporations, foreign partnerships, and foreign disregarded entities (forms 5471, 8865, and 8858) are filed with the individual tax return Form 1040, whether the return is e-filed or mailed.
Phone numbers to give the courier service when mailing a return
These phone numbers are for international taxpayers who must send packages and documentation to the different campuses. If the courier service you are using (FedEx, DHL Express, UPS, etc.) requests a phone number for the destination, please use one of the following:
Campus | Telephone number |
Andover | (978) 474-9822 |
Atlanta | (678) 530-6616 |
Austin | (512) 460-7948 |
Brookhaven | (631) 654-6334 |
Cincinnati | (859) 669-5250 |
Fresno | (559) 454-6168 |
Kansas City | (816) 325-3019 |
Memphis | (901) 546-3700 |
Ogden | (801) 620-3738 |
Philadelphia | (267) 941-1832 |