Address Validation and Troubleshooting

What is address validation?

Address validation checks, corrects, and standardizes postal addresses to ensure they are accurate, deliverable, and formatted according to postal standards.

‍Core functions of address validation

1. Verification: Confirms whether a given address exists and can receive mail or deliveries (using postal databases like USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, etc.)
2. Standardization: Rewrites addresses into the correct postal format (for example, changing “123 main st apt 4” to “123 Main St Apt 4”)
3. Correction: Fixes typos, missing ZIP codes, or other inconsistencies in user-entered addresses
4. Geocoding: Adds latitude and longitude coordinates for mapping or regional tax purposes

Performing address validation on tax calls

When enabled, address validation during a tax call performs a geolocation lookup on the address provided. Unlike standard address validation applied to customer records, this process is used exclusively to determine the correct tax jurisdiction and rate. This validation does not modify customer record data or return the same feedback available in standard validation workflows. For best results, customer addresses should be validated and standardized prior to initiating tax calls to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Troubleshooting Address Validation Errors

If you encounter an address validation error, we first recommend checking the address against the United States Postal Service (USPS) database to ensure the address is correct.

Navigate to the USPS Zip Code by Address tool to search for the address. While not required, the 4-digits after a zip code (“Zip+4 code”) provides more precise delivery information than just the 5-digit code. It’s recommended best practice to include the 4-digit code if it’s available.

Using CereTax’s address without the 4-digit code, the USPS is suggesting 24 variations of this address and there are eleven different 4-digit codes for this address.

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Re-running the search with our suite number, the USPS is advising the 4-digit code should be 3817. Using the arrow on the address row, expand the details for that address.

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DPV Confirmation Indicator

Within the details of the address, check the code listed under “DPV Confirmation Indicator.” This is the primary method used by the USPS to determine whether an address is considered deliverable or undeliverable.

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As provided by the USPS, the DPV Confirmation Indicator statuses are as follows:

• Y: Address was DPV confirmed for both primary and (if present) secondary numbers
• D: Address was DPV confirmed for the primary number only, and the secondary number information was missing
• S: Address was DPV confirmed for the primary number only, and the secondary number information was present by not confirmed
• N: Both primary and (if present) secondary number information failed to DPV confirm

Addresses with DPV indicator "Y" can be validated. Otherwise, the address owner will need to contact and work with the USPS to get their address registrattion updated.

If the address is complete and the DPV indicator is "Y" but you are still encountering an address validation error, please submit a support case to support@ceretax.com with any appropriate details and screen shots to allow us to research.

Resources

USPS Address Check: https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress

Canadian Post Address Check: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/tools/find-a-postal-code.page

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CereTax API Reference Resources

https://apidocs.ceretax.net/reference/status-and-error-codes

https://apidocs.ceretax.net/reference/get_validate

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