Address Validation -

How it works

>> AvaTax Address Validation uses an advanced matching process to verify and correct addresses. The system deals with each unique element of an address for complete address accuracy. Items such as suffixes, directionals, apartment numbers, suite numbers, post office boxes, and rural/highway contract route addresses, as well as city names are verified and corrected if necessary.

The existence of the street and street address is also verified (see examples below). The validation process is typically handled in less than one second. If the address cannot be validated, order processing continues based on the city, state, and 5 digit zip code.  The tax engine uses an algorithm to determine the most likely jurisdiction. If the tax calculation fails because it is unable to determine the most likely jurisdiction, the ERP/accounting software prompts the user for resolution.

>> Meets CASS Requirements AvaTax Address Validation utilizes an address system that is certified by the USPS as meeting all requirements of the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS). CASS is the process that assures accurate carrier route, 5-Digit, ZIP+4 Codes, and Delivery Point Barcodes are accurate. CASS certification ensures that addresses can qualify for automation-based discount rates.  Besides meeting all USPS standards on ZIP codes for discounts and incentives, AvaTax Address Validation standardizes each input address to conform to the Postal Service's requirements for format and content. The program does this by:

       >> Adding missing address information 
       >> Standardizing city names and two-character state abbreviations 
       >> Correcting misspelled address elements 
       >> Converting addresses into a format readable by USPS automation equipment 
       >> Re-arranging address lines per USPS standards

If the intended target address is:

             900 winslw, suite 130
             , WA 98101

The address is corrected as follows (notice the corrected spelling, added address elements, corrected zip, corrected format, and zip+4).

            900 Winslow Way E
            Ste 130
            Bainbridge Island, WA 98110-2450 
            With a County FIPS of 035

Note: Address verification also compensates for mild misspellings and incorrect or missing street directives (i.e., Drive, Street, Route, North, South, East, and West).