Is it OK to cross out old address on paper check for IRS payment and write in new address?

9 Yes, you can cross out your old address on the check, initial it, and write in your new address. The IRS is primarily concerned with the payment being properly credited to your account, so they're looking at the payment amount, your name, Social Security Number, and tax year/form information. Banks generally accept checks with minor corrections like a crossed-out address as long as it's initialed. What's most important is that the payment amount, date, and signature remain unaltered. The address on the check is less critical for processing purposes.

5 I had the same situation last year when paying my estimated taxes. I used https://taxr.ai to upload a picture of my check with the crossed-out address and they confirmed it was perfectly fine. They explained that banks process thousands of checks with crossed-out information daily, as long as it's initialed. What I found most helpful was their explanation about how the IRS actually processes paper checks - they have automated systems that scan for the payment amount, account number, and routing info. The address on your check isn't even part of their verification process as long as you include your SSN and tax year/form as you mentioned.

3 Just wanted to update that I tried using taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. I uploaded my check with the crossed-out address along with some other tax documents I had questions about. Their analysis confirmed everything was fine and they even pointed out some additional details I should include to make sure the payment is properly credited. Really helpful service, saved me a trip to the bank to order new checks!

12 If you're worried about how the IRS will handle your payment, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used it when I had a similar issue with a payment not being properly credited. Instead of waiting on hold with the IRS for hours, they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was able to confirm directly with the IRS agent that crossed-out addresses on checks are perfectly acceptable as long as they're initialed. The agent also gave me specific instructions on what to write on the memo line (tax year, form number, and SSN) to ensure my payment was properly credited. Definitely worth it if you need to speak directly with someone at the IRS.

16 I owe everyone an apology - especially to Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to actually try the service since I've been trying to reach the IRS for weeks about a payment issue. Not only did it work exactly as described, but I got connected to an agent in under 20 minutes after trying unsuccessfully on my own for days. The agent confirmed that crossing out an address on a check is completely fine as long as it's initialed, and they helped resolve my other payment questions too. Definitely worth it and I'm glad I gave it a chance!

2 Former bank teller here. This is totally fine! We processed checks with crossed-out addresses all the time. Just make sure you initial next to the correction. The most important parts of a check for processing are the routing number, account number, amount, date, and signature. The address is mainly for the check writer's reference. One tip though - make sure you write your SSN, tax year and form clearly on the memo line! That's way more important than the address because that's how the IRS matches your payment to your account.

18 Would it be better to just order new checks? I know it costs money but seems like it might be worth avoiding any potential issues...

23 Slightly off-topic but I'd recommend paying the IRS electronically if possible. IRS Direct Pay is free and you get immediate confirmation that they received your payment. Paper checks can get lost or misapplied. I learned this the hard way when they claimed they never received my payment last year, even though my bank showed the check was cashed. Took months to resolve!

Great point about electronic payments! I actually started using IRS Direct Pay after having a similar experience with a paper check that took forever to process. The electronic system gives you instant confirmation and eliminates the worry about whether your payment was received and properly credited. For anyone still preferring paper checks though, crossing out the old address and initialing it is definitely fine. Just make sure to keep a copy of the check for your records, and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The IRS processes thousands of checks daily with minor corrections like address changes. The most important thing is including your SSN, tax year, and form number in the memo line so they can properly credit your account!

I work at a credit union and can confirm what others have said - crossing out your old address and initialing it is totally fine! We process checks like this daily without any issues. One thing I'd suggest is using a blue or black pen for the correction rather than pencil, and make sure your initials are clear and match the signature style on the check. The IRS and banking systems are very accustomed to address corrections on checks. Also, since you mentioned you moved last year, this is a good reminder to update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 if you haven't already. While the address on your check won't update their records, having your correct address on file with them is important for future correspondence. Your check should process without any problems as long as you include your SSN, tax year, and form number in the memo line like you mentioned!