Can I use a PO Box as my address when filing Form 1040 from overseas?

You can absolutely use a PO Box on your Form 1040. This is actually pretty common for expats and the IRS is used to seeing it. The key thing is that they need a reliable way to contact you, and if mail service is spotty at your physical address, a PO Box makes sense. That said, including a statement with your physical address is a smart move. I'd recommend attaching a brief note explaining your situation after page 2 of your 1040. Make it clear that you're using the PO Box to ensure receipt of communications, not to hide anything. Also, consider setting up an online account at irs.gov if you haven't already. Many IRS communications are available electronically now, which can be more reliable than international mail in some cases.

I was in a similar situation last year and found using taxr.ai extremely helpful for figuring out my overseas filing situation. I was worried about my address situation since I move between countries every few months and didn't have a permanent physical address. Basically, I uploaded my previous returns and some documents to https://taxr.ai and their system analyzed everything and gave me really specific advice about how to handle my address situation as an expat. They confirmed that using a PO Box was totally fine but suggested documenting my physical address separately, which worked out perfectly with no issues from the IRS.

Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after seeing this post and wow, it was actually super helpful for my expat situation! I uploaded my previous tax returns and some foreign income documents, and it immediately identified that I needed to file FBAR forms I didn't know about. Also got clear guidance on using my Thailand PO Box for mail while documenting my physical address separately. The system even generated a sample statement I could attach to my return explaining my address situation. Honestly saved me a lot of stress since I'm constantly moving between countries. Definitely recommend for anyone filing from overseas!

If you're having trouble getting responses from the IRS about your overseas address situation, try Claimyr. I was stuck in documentation limbo with the IRS questioning my foreign address for 3 months with no progress. Called the international IRS number countless times but could never get through. A colleague recommended https://claimyr.com and I was skeptical but desperate. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they get you connected to an actual IRS agent quickly. I got through in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for weeks before. The agent I spoke with confirmed that using a PO Box was fine but gave me specific instructions on how to document my physical address to avoid any review flags.

I need to eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment, I was so frustrated with my own IRS issues that I tried Claimyr anyway. I seriously couldn't believe it worked. After trying for MONTHS to reach someone about my expat filing situation, I was connected to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes. Got my PO Box question resolved immediately. The agent told me they see foreign PO Boxes all the time from expats and gave me the exact format to list both addresses. Apparently attaching a statement with your physical address is exactly what they recommend. She also helped resolve a weird notice I got about my foreign earned income exclusion that had been stressing me out for weeks.

FYI - I've been using a PO Box in Thailand for 5 years on my tax returns with no problems. I just make sure to check my online account at irs.gov regularly and have my US-based mail scanning service as a backup. The IRS understands expat situations better than most government agencies. Just be consistent with how you list your address across all forms (especially any FBARs or other international reporting forms).

Has anyone had experience using a mail forwarding service instead of a PO box? I'm moving between 3 different countries this year and trying to figure out the best mail solution for tax purposes.

I've been filing from overseas for about 7 years now and can confirm that using a PO Box is completely normal and acceptable. The IRS actually expects this kind of thing from expats since international mail can be unreliable. A few practical tips from my experience: - Always use the same address format across ALL your forms (1040, FBAR, any state returns, etc.) - If you're in a country where mail takes forever, definitely set up that IRS online account - you can often see notices there before the physical mail arrives - Keep records of your actual physical address in case the IRS ever asks, but I've never had them request this in 7 years The statement explaining your situation is a good idea for peace of mind, but honestly I've never included one and never had issues. The IRS processes thousands of returns from expats every year - they're used to seeing foreign addresses and PO Boxes. One thing to watch out for: make sure your PO Box provider is reliable about holding mail long-term in case you're traveling when something important arrives. Some places only hold mail for 30 days.