Which Address do I send my 2019 tax Return to for 2025 filing? Need help understanding what enclosing a payment means

The IRS mailing address depends on both your state and whether you're including a payment. For California filers sending a 2019 return with payment in 2025, you'd mail it to: Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 802501 Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 If you're NOT including a payment, use: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0002 For "enclosing a payment" - yes, it simply means including your check or money order in the envelope with your tax return. Don't staple or attach the payment to your forms. Make sure your check includes your name, address, phone number, Social Security Number, tax year (2019), and "Form 1040" written on it. Since you're filing so late, be prepared for potential penalties and interest that have accumulated since 2019. The good news is that if you're owed a refund from 2019, you can still claim it until April 2023, though that deadline has passed now.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year trying to file some ancient returns. I spent HOURS on hold with the IRS getting nowhere until I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved my sanity. They specialize in helping with old returns and figuring out exactly where to send them plus what you need to include. Their system analyzed my situation and gave me the exact instructions for my state and circumstances. It confirmed everything about payment enclosure too - basically you just put the check loosely in the envelope with your return, but make sure you write your SSN and "2019 Form 1040" on the memo line of the check so they can match it to your return if they get separated. They also helped me calculate what penalties I might face which was super helpful for budgeting. Way better than the generic IRS instructions that leave you guessing.

Just wanted to update that I ended up trying taxr.ai after asking about it here. Super helpful for my situation! They gave me the exact address for my state (Tennessee) and clarified that I needed to use a different address since I had a balance due. They also explained that "enclosing a payment" literally just means putting your check in the envelope - not stapled to anything. But they emphasized making sure to write your SSN, "2019 Form 1040" and phone number on the check's memo line which I wouldn't have known to do. The best part was they calculated my approximate penalties and interest so I wasn't shocked when I wrote the check. Saved me from the anxiety of wondering if I was doing it right!

If you're trying to contact the IRS about your 2019 return, good luck getting anyone on the phone! I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach them about my late filing situation. Kept getting disconnected or wait times of 2+ hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real IRS agent in under 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent walked me through exactly which address to use for my state and situation, and explained that enclosing payment just means putting a check in the envelope with your forms (not attached). The IRS agent also gave me a specific confirmation number for our call which provided some peace of mind about my late filing. Much better than guessing or relying on general instructions online.

I need to apologize for my skepticism about Claimyr. After my last 2-hour failed attempt to reach the IRS, I broke down and tried it. Won't lie - it actually worked. Got a call back in about 30 minutes and was connected to an IRS representative who was super helpful about my late 2019 filing. The agent confirmed that: 1. For my state (Florida), I needed to use the Austin, TX address since I'm expecting a refund 2. If I had to make a payment, I would use the Louisville, KY address instead 3. "Enclosing payment" literally just means putting your check in the envelope with your tax forms They also told me that even though I'm filing super late, I should still file ASAP to stop additional penalties from accruing. Wish I hadn't wasted weeks trying to figure this out on my own.

One thing nobody's mentioned - make sure you're using the 2019 tax forms, NOT current 2024 forms! The IRS changes forms almost every year and they won't accept returns on wrong-year paperwork. You can download 2019 forms from the IRS website by searching "2019 form 1040 pdf" - they keep all the prior year forms available. The instructions for 2019 will have the correct mailing addresses too, although some processing centers have changed since then which is why getting current advice is important.

Something important: MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING before you mail it! I sent in a late return last year and the IRS somehow lost it. Having copies saved my butt when I had to send it again. Also, if you owe money, don't forget you can set up a payment plan if the amount with penalties is too much to pay at once. You can apply for an installment agreement using Form 9465.

Just wanted to add something that might help - if you're really stressed about the penalties and interest that have accumulated since 2019, you might qualify for penalty relief under "reasonable cause" provisions. Since you mentioned your ex was handling finances and you genuinely didn't know about the unfiled return, that could potentially qualify. You'd need to include a letter explaining your circumstances when you mail your return. The IRS considers things like reliance on a tax professional or spouse, serious illness, or other circumstances beyond your control. It's worth a shot - worst case they say no, but I've seen people get penalties reduced or eliminated this way. Also, double-check that you're using your current address on the return, not your 2019 address, so any correspondence reaches you. And like others said, certified mail is absolutely essential - treat this like you're mailing something precious because basically you are!