Do you have to file taxes without a permanent address?
Regardless of your housing status, you may have to file a tax return. The IRS determines whether you need to file a return based on your income. You need to file a return if you make over $400 in net earnings from self-employment or if you have gross income of $16,100 or more per year as a single taxpayer under age 65.
Even if you aren’t required to file, it can be beneficial to submit a tax return to potentially qualify for a tax refund.
What address should I put on my tax return?
When you submit your tax return, you must include an address. However, the address doesn’t have to be where you live. It can be anywhere you can reliably receive mail. Depending on your situation, that may be one of the following options:
- P.O. Box: You can use a P.O. Box with a local post office branch.
- The address of a trusted friend or family member: Enter the mailing address of a relative or friend who you trust to receive and hold mail for you.
- Shelter or service organizations: Shelters and some service organizations will allow you to receive mail at their address.
To change your address to one of the above options, fill out Form 8822 (Change of Address).
Receiving a tax refund without a permanent address
A permanent address isn’t necessary to receive a tax refund. The IRS will disburse your tax refund to a bank account through direct deposit. You may also be eligible for a prepaid debit card with the tax refund deposited to the card.
If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to receive a paper check at a P.O. Box, the address of a friend or relative, or through a service organization. However, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks, so consider other payment options, such as mobile apps and prepaid debit cards.
How to find free tax help
To file your taxes, you usually need a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number. You can get free help with filing your taxes through the following resources:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Qualifying taxpayers, including those with low- to moderate incomes, are eligible for free tax preparation assistance through VITA.
- IRS Free File: With IRS Free File, you can file your tax return online for free as long as your adjusted gross income (AGI) is under $95,000.
