Part 1. Organization, Finance and Management

Chapter 22. Mail and Transportation Management

Section 3. Addressing and Packaging

1.22.3  Addressing and Packaging

Manual Transmittal

August 02, 2012

Purpose

(1) This transmits revised IRM 1.22.3, Mail and Transportation Management, Addressing and Packaging.

Material Changes

(1) IRM 1.22.3, title changed to Addressing and Packaging

(2) IRM 1.22.3.1, renamed Introduction, Relationships moved to IRM 1.22.5.2

(3) IRM 1.22.3.7, added new subsection on Packaging and Mailing Guidelines

(4) IRM 1.22.3.1.2, USPS Recipient Services is removed

(5) IRM 1.22.3.2.2, added new subsection on National Office Mailroom Addressing

(6) IRM 1.22.3.3.2, (1), (2), (3), added new information on Return Address

(7) IRM 1.22.3.2.4, updates information on Zip Codes

(8) IRM 1.22.3.2.1, (2), (3), (4), added new information on mail and small package deliveries to Campus/Submission Processing Centers/Accounts Management Centers via street addresses, unique zip code addresses and off-site satellite locations

(9) IRM 1.22.3.3.2, subsection on All Other Mail is moved to IRM 1.22.5.4.1, (1)

(10) IRM 1.22.3.4, subsection on Permit Imprint is moved to IRM 1.22.4.5

(11) IRM 1.22.3.5.2, added new subsection on Reporting Requirements

(12) IRM 1.22.3.6, added new subsection on Avoid Common Addressing Errors

(13) IRM 1.22.3.8, added new subsection on Suggestions for Shipping Personally Identifiable Information

(14) IRM 1.22.3.9, added new subsection on Standard Mail and Shipping Supplies

(15) IRM 1.22.3 -1, added new Exhibit on Envelope User Guide, Document 13011

Effect on Other Documents

IRM 1.22.3, General Mail Operations, dated February 23, 2010 is superseded.

Audience

IRS Employees

Effective Date

(08-02-2012)


Crystal Philcox
Director, Distribution
Wage and Investment Division

1.22.3.1  (08-02-2012)
Introduction

  1. Address accuracy affects the speed and handling of IRS mail and packages. Using complete, correct and properly formatted address information is critical to timely and safe delivery.

1.22.3.2  (08-02-2012)
IRS Addressing Standards

  1. IRS addressing standards contain the required elements to properly format a complete delivery address and describe the types of addresses used by the IRS.

  2. All mailing lists and address files should be reviewed for accuracy and updated at least four times a year by the list owner.

1.22.3.2.1  (08-02-2012)
Types of IRS Addresses

  1. The IRS utilizes various types of addresses:

    1. Street Address - Used to receive First-Class Mail, bulk mail, Small Package Carrier (SPC) shipments and freight deliveries.

    2. IRS Unique ZIP Code Address - Used for general and revenue bearing mail from the public. The unique ZIP Code aids the United States Postal Service (USPS) in processing large volumes of taxpayer mail. Mail or deliveries from the IRS and other sources, (besides the taxpayer) will utilize the street address. This includes all classes of USPS mail, SPC (UPS and/or FedEx) and freight deliveries.

    3. P.O. Box Addresses - Typically used by a specific function within an office. The address usually receives First-Class Mail. P.O. Box addresses may only be used for USPS deliveries.

    4. Lock Box Addresses - P.O. Boxes established by commercial banks to accelerate the handling and deposit of tax payments.

  2. Street Address - The street address for each Campus/Submission Processing Center/Accounts Management Center is shown below. All general administrative mail and/or SPC deliveries (e.g., UPS and FedEx) from IRS and other sources should utilize the following street addresses:

    Street Addresses

    Internal Revenue Service
    1040 Waverly Ave
    Holtsville NY 11742-1129
    Internal Revenue Service
    201 W Rivercenter Blvd
    Covington KY 41011-1424

    Internal Revenue Service
    310 Lowell St
    Andover MA 01810-4544

    Internal Revenue Service
    333 W Pershing Rd
    Kansas City MO 64108-4302


    Internal Revenue Service
    2970 Market St
    Philadelphia PA 19104-5066
    Internal Revenue Service
    3651 S IH 35
    Austin Tx 78741-7855


    Internal Revenue Service
    5333 Getwell Rd
    Memphis TN 38118-7701
    Internal Revenue Service
    1973 Rulon White Blvd
    Ogden UT 84404-7843

    Internal Revenue Service
    4800 Buford Hwy
    Chamblee GA 30341-0001
    Internal Revenue Service
    5045 E Butler Ave
    Fresno CA 93727-5136

  3. Unique Zip Code Address - Each Campus/Submission Processing Center/Accounts Management Center has an assigned (3 line) unique ZIP Code address. The following addresses are ONLY to be used for taxpayer correspondence or remittances mailed through the USPS:

    Unique ZIP Code Addresses
    Internal Revenue Service
    Customer Service Center
    Holtsville NY 00501     		Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Cincinnati OH 45999
    Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Andover MA 05501     		Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Kansas City MO 64999
    Internal Revenue Service
    Customer Service Center
    Philadelphia PA 19255     		Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Austin TX 73301
    Internal Revenue Service
    Customer Service Center
    Memphis TN 37501     		Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Ogden UT 84201
    Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Atlanta GA 39901     		Department of the Treasury
    Internal Revenue Service Center
    Fresno CA 93888

  4. All mail and packages being sent to a Campus/Submission Processing Center/Accounts Management Center building will bear the central street address. The satellite locations listed below should not receive direct deliveries.

    Campus/Submission Processing Center Central Street Address Off-Site Satellite Locations Use appropriate Campus/Submission Processing Center Central Street Address at Left
    Internal Revenue Service
    310 Lowell St
    Andover MA 01810     		900 Chelmsford St
    Lowell MA 01851
    		 96 MLK St
    Methuen MA 01844
    Internal Revenue Service
    4800 Buford Hwy
    Chamblee GA 30341     		6655 Peachtree
    Dunwoody Rd NE
    Atlanta GA 30328
    2970 Brandywine Rd
    Atlanta GA 30341
     
    2980 Brandywine Rd
    Atlanta GA 30341
    2965 Flowers Rd
    Chamblee GA 30341
    Internal Revenue Service
    3651 S IH 35
    Austin TX 78741
    1821 Directors Blvd
    Austin TX 78744
    4175 Freiderich Ln
    Austin TX 78744
     
    2021 E. Woodward St
    Austin TX 78741
    2191 Woodward St
    Austin TX 78744
     
    2101 Saint Elmo Rd ste.400

    Austin TX 78744
    5015 S IH35
    Austin TX 78744

    Internal Revenue Service
    201 W Rivercenter Blvd
    Covington KY 41011
    333 Scott Center
    Covington KY 41011
    300 Madison Ave
    Covington KY 41011
      7125 Industrial Rd
    Florence KY 41042    		 7940 Kentucky Dr
    Florence KY 41042

    Internal Revenue Service
    5045 E Butler Ave
    Fresno CA 93727
    1950 G St
    Fresno CA 93706    		 1171 Fulton Mall
    Fresno CA 93721
      1649 Van Ness Ave
    Fresno CA 93721    		 1325 Broadway St
    Fresno CA 93721
      855 M St
    Fresno CA 93721    		 4967 E Kings Canyon Ave
    Fresno CA 93727
     
    ---    		 1728 Van Ness Ave
    Fresno CA 93721

    Internal Revenue Service
    1973 Rulon White Blvd
    Ogden UT 84404
    1160 W 1200 S
    Ogden UT 84201
    1001 South 1200 West
    Ogden UT 84404
     
    1125 W 12th St
    Ogden UT 84201
    105 23rd St
    Ogden UT 84401
     
    1007 W 12th St
    Ogden UT 84404
    155 E 31 St
    Ogden UT 84401
     
    1100 Country Hills Dr
    Ogden UT 84403
    2380 S Washington Blvd
    Ogden UT 84401
     
    2262 Wall Ave
    Ogden UT 84401
    2484 S Washington Blvd
    Ogden UT 84401

1.22.3.2.2  (08-02-2012)
National Office Mailroom Addressing

  1. IRS contracts with an off-site mail processing facility to mitigate contamination risk to headquarters operations. As a result, all USPS and SPC mail/packages destined for the Washington, DC Metro area must be addressed as follows:


    Name and Title
    IRS, [Organizational Symbols]
    [Building Symbol and Room or Workstation Number]
    1111 CONSTITUTION AVE NW
    WASHINGTON DC 20224

  2. The following Washington, DC Metro Offices are serviced by this contract:

    Building Symbols Location
    CB 6009 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD
    CM 1901 S Bell St, Arlington, VA
    K 77 K St NE, Washington, DC
    IR 1111 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
    LH 8100 Corporate Dr, Landover, MD
    MA 801 9th St NW, Washington, DC
    MT 799 9th St NW, Washington, DC
    NC 999 N Capital St NE, Washington, DC
    NCFB 5000 Ellin Rd, Lanham, MD
    PARK 4 2345 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA

  3. The off-site mail processing facility sorts and delivers mail and packages to the above Washington, DC metro offices twice daily. All mail and packages will be delivered to the destination within one workday of arrival at the off-site mail processing facility.

1.22.3.3  (08-02-2012)
Addressing Requirements

  1. Addressing requirements have been established to ensure consistent and proper addressing of mail and packages, which helps ensure timely processing and delivery. The following address practices should be used to address USPS mail:

    1. The address should be typed or machine printed in dark ink on a light background, using a simple font type (e.g., San Serif, Arial or Helvetica) in 10 or 12 point.

    2. The address should be single spaced and left aligned.

    3. The address should use all uppercase letters and no punctuation.

  2. Address Elements - All mail delivery addresses must contain at least the following elements:

    • Customer or Recipient

    • Delivery Address Line

    • Last Line (City State ZIP Code)

  3. Additional address elements may be used depending on the type of address. Standard addresses contain a minimum of three lines of address data.

    Types of Addresses
    Standard Address

    Recipient    		 Intended recipient's name.
    Delivery Address Line Street number and name, pre and post-directional address unit designator or P.O. Box number, suite/apartment number, etc. Dual addresses (both a street address and a P.O. Box number) should not be used.
    Destination City State and ZIP Code (+4 if known)
    Business Address

    Attention    		 Intended recipient's name/title
    Organizational Unit Group, department, division, unit/mail stop.
    Business/Firm Name Name of business, firm, organization, or agency.
    Delivery Address - Street number and name, pre and post directional address unit designator or P.O. Box number, suite, floor or room.
    Destination City State and ZIP Code (+4 if known).
    Overseas Military Address

    Recipient    		 Service member's rank and full name.
    Delivery Address Include the ship name unit number, Consolidated Mailroom (CMR) or Personnel Service Center (PSC) number, and box number, if assigned.
    Destination Air/Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) designation and the appropriate two-letter state abbreviation (AA, AE, or AP), City State and ZIP Code (+4 if known).

    Caution:

    Do not include the name of the city and country to ensure the item is handled in the military mail system and not the international mail system. Additional information specific to each Service Branch can be found at: http://www.usps.com

1.22.3.3.1  (08-02-2012)
ZIP Codes

  1. The ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Codes are 9-digit geographical codes that identify postal delivery areas within the United States, its possessions and territories. The numbered coding system facilitates efficient mail distribution and delivery.

  2. The most complete ZIP Code is a 9-digit number consisting of 5 digits, a hyphen and 4 digits, described as "ZIP+4." A required "dash" or "hyphen" separates the first five digits (ZIP Code) from the +4 (last four digits).

  3. The +4 digits following the 5-digit ZIP Code:

    1. May identify several blocks, a group of streets, several office buildings, or a small geographic area.

    2. May identify one floor of an office building, one side of a street, specific departments in a firm, or a group of P.O. Boxes.

    Sample of the 9-Digit ZIP Code
    53092 - 5450
    530 92 54 50
    Sectional Center Delivery Area Delivery Sector Delivery Segment

  4. There are several types of ZIP+4 Codes used by the IRS. All serve to help USPS to expedite the delivery of mail. They all have specific purposes.

    1. There are ZIP+4 Codes assigned to represent specific companies, agencies or organizations, called FIRM. This type of ZIP+4 Code applies when using Courtesy Reply Mail (E-25 CR) envelopes and for return addresses.

    2. Unique ZIP+4 Codes are exclusive to a single firm, government agency, etc. IRS uses these for taxpayer remittances.

    3. There are special ZIP+4 Codes that are assigned for Business Reply Mail (BRM). These are unique and used only for BRM envelopes, as determined when this ZIP Code was requested.

  5. These ZIP+4 Codes are specific. If any of the following occurs, a new ZIP+4 Code needs to be established:

    • The address changes

    • The mail size (e.g., letter, post card, flat, etc.) changes

    • The mail weight (e.g., 1 ounce, 2 ounce) changes

    • The mail is being returned from international rather than domestic locations

1.22.3.3.2  (08-02-2012)
Return Address

  1. All Official Penalty Mail must include a complete agency return address located in the upper left corner of the mail piece.

    Note:

    It is important to include a suite or mailroom number with a mail stop or personal identifier in the address. This will help ensure that return mail pieces will be forwarded to the appropriate destination.

  2. All Official Penalty Mail must bear the preprinted phrases Official Business and Penalty for Private Use, $300 placed in the return address area. The penalty statement must not be hand or typewritten.

    Example:


    __________________________
    Official Business
    Penalty for Private Use, $300

  3. BRM - ZIP+4 is to be used only in the mailing/delivery address of the BRM mail piece (E-25 BR envelope or BRM label). DO NOT use this BRM unique ZIP+4 in the return address.

1.22.3.4  (08-02-2012)
Addressing Standards for International Mail

  1. International address formats should follow the standards and practices of the destination country. Following are general guidelines:

    1. The recipient line should contain the complete name of the addressee.

    2. The complete delivery address must be typed or legibly written in English using all uppercase.

    3. The city destination must appear in capital letters together with the correct postal code number or delivery zone number, if any.

    4. An address in a foreign language is permitted if the name of the city, province and country are also indicated in English.

    5. Foreign postal codes (numeric and/or alpha) should be placed on the line immediately above the country name Some countries prefer the postal code follow the name, others prefer it to precede the city or town name.

    6. The last line must contain only the country name (no abbreviations).

      Example:

        MR THOMAS CLARK
      117 RUSSELL DRIVE
      LONDON WIP 6HQ
      ENGLAND       		MS C P APPLE
      APARTADO 3068
      46807 PUERTO VALLARTA JALISCO
      MEXICO

  2. Pieces that do not contain complete sender and addressee information may be returned by the foreign Post Office.

  3. Certified Mail is not available internationally.

  4. Registered Mail are items handled according to the destination countries own internal procedures and do not guarantee the same security as domestic Registered Mail. The U.S. Registered Mail items are handled separately from all other mail and kept in a secure area.

  5. PS (Postal Service) Form 2865, Return Receipt for International Mail (Avis de Reception), provides evidence of delivery for registered items or Priority Mail International insured parcels. PS Form 2865 (pink card) is attached at the time of mailing, and removed and signed at the point of delivery. Return receipts are completed in the country of destination in accordance with its internal regulations, which may require the addressee's signature except under special circumstances.

    Note:

    Some countries limit the use of Return Receipts. Specific mailing conditions for the countries and localities can be found in the USPS International Mail Manual (IMM), Individual Country Listings.

1.22.3.5  (08-02-2012)
Business Reply Mail (BRM)

  1. BRM allows customers to send a reply via First-Class Mail without affixing postage. The IRS pays the postage and a per piece handling fee only for the pieces returned. Clerks at the delivery Post Office calculate the amount due and then bill the IRS' Official Mail Accounting System (OMAS) account.

  2. IRS furnishes a "Postage and Fees Paid" (Penalty BRM) letter size envelope when requesting information for the convenience of the Government. BRM envelopes must not be used to request information required by law (e.g., remittance mail, liability mail and collection notices).

  3. BRM may be domestic or international. BRM sent within the United States and its territories must use a domestic mail permit. International BRM accounts must be established when sent to a foreign country.

  4. BRM is subject to strict standards on formatting, markings and addressing. Printed or handwritten alterations are not allowed on BRM envelopes or labels.

  5. A BRM account must be established for each type of BRM mail piece (e.g., 1 ounce envelopes, 2 ounce envelopes, post cards, labels for flats, etc.). Since BRM mail pieces are preprinted, this limits the weight of the mail that can be sent in each BRM mail piece.

  6. All BRM postage and fees are paid by the Postal and Transport Policy (PTP) Section through the annual postal budget.

  7. BRM envelopes may not be used as a label on a larger envelope (flat), package or box. A custom-designed "Business Reply Label" must be used for this purpose. A separate BRM permit account must be established for the specific use with the BRM label.

  8. IRS uses two types of BRM permits:

    Types of BRM Permits
    Basic BRM Permit For accounts that receive less than 850 returned BRM pieces per year:

    1. This account requires annual permit fee for a corporate style permit.

    2. Postage cost is First-Class rate, plus a per piece handling fee.
    Qualified BRM Permit For account that receive 850 or more returned BRM pieces per year:

    1. This account requires an annual permit fee and an annual accounting fee.

    2. Postage cost is the First-Class rate, plus a reduced per piece handling fee.

1.22.3.5.1  (08-02-2012)
Establishing a Business Reply Mail (BRM) Account

  1. The USPS has assigned to the IRS, BRM Permit 12686. This permit applies to IRS offices when they are issued an account by their local Post Office.

  2. To establish a BRM account, the Territory Point of Contact (TPOC) or a PTP Section employee will assist the Business Unit or other applicant in the application process. The following information is required:

    1. Address where the BRM is to be returned.

    2. Size of the mail piece (e.g., envelope, post card, flat) and weight (e.g., 1 ounce, 2 ounce).

    3. Estimated annual return volume.

  3. A PTP Section employee will prepare the PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile, and submit it to the USPS Business Mail Entry Unit, local Post Office and USPS Mail Design Analyst via fax.

  4. USPS will establish the account, assign a ZIP+ 4 Code and provide approved requested artwork to the PTP Section, who in turn will provide it to the TPOC and/or customer.

1.22.3.5.2  (08-02-2012)
Reporting Requirements

  1. BRM postage costs are reported to the Beckely Finance Center by the CARE/Finance organization on a monthly basis from USPS expenditure reports. Individual field offices are not required to track or report BRM volume or costs.

1.22.3.6  (08-02-2012)
Avoid Common Addressing Errors

  1. Common addressing errors can be costly and affect the timeliness of the delivery.

  2. To avoid the common addressing mistakes, use USPS approved abbreviations for:

    1. Street designator, such as AVE for Avenue, ST for Street, RD for Road and CT for Court.

    2. Directional indicator, such as N for North or S for South.

    3. Secondary street indicator, such as APT for Apartment, BLDG for Building, RM for Room or STE for Suite.

    4. State, such as TX for Texas, CA for California, MO for Missouri or IL for Illinois.

  3. Spell out the complete city name. Do not use abbreviations such as LA for Los Angeles or NYC for New York City.

  4. Use the correct ZIP Code. For more information on ZIP Codes, access the following link: http://www.usps.com.

  5. Do not use a P.O. Box address when the item is being sent by a SPC (e.g., UPS and FedEx).

1.22.3.7  (08-02-2012)
Proper Packaging/Mailing Guidelines

  1. Packaging often determines what services (USPS, SPC or Freight) are available as well as the cost of the service.

  2. Use a standard letter size envelope and mail via USPS when feasible. USPS is the least expensive service for mail weighing 13 ounces or less. (See Exhibit 1.22.3-1, Envelope User Guide, for more information on envelope selection and use).

1.22.3.8  (08-02-2012)
Requirements for Shipping Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

  1. Mail/Packages being sent through a SPC or mail courier must:

    1. Contain a Form 3210, Document Transmittal.

    2. Be double boxed or double wrapped in such a way that if the outer package became damaged during transit the inner wrapping/protection will protect the contents from disclosure.

    3. Include a duplicate shipping label on the inner package.

    4. Be monitored to ensure that each shipment is properly and timely received and acknowledged.

  2. Mail/Packages being sent via USPS do not need additional protection, such as double wrapping. Mail/Packages containing PII are not required to be shipped using expedite or air services. Ground shipping continues to be the preferred method of transportation.

  3. Detailed information and instructions for shipping PII can be found in IRM 10.2.13 and Document 13056, Shipping Procedures for Personally Identifiable Information.

1.22.3.9  (08-02-2012)
Standard Mail/Shipping Supplies

  1. Each office has supplies for shipping via USPS or SPC ground services. Items listed below may be purchased from the office's supply budget. Recommended supplies include:

    1. Standard letter envelopes.

    2. 2 inch clear packaging tape.

    3. Packing material such as Kraft paper, newspaper or bubble wrap used for wrapping and cushioning contents.

    4. Black or opaque medium weight garbage bags used for double wrapping.

    5. Various sizes of corrugated cardboard boxes.

      -- Use a rigid box with flaps intact.
      -- If using an old box, ensure the box is undamaged and strong enough to support the contents through the rigors of shipping.
      -- When using a previously used box, remove or cover old address labels and delivery markings from the box.

  2. When using express or SPC air shipping services, outer packaging can be obtained from USPS or the SPC. There are various sizes available for order:

    1. Air Letter - Appropriate for letters, business correspondence, urgent documents and electronic media.

    2. Air Pak - Made from tear-resistant material and is ideal for flat, unbreakable items such as large reports and bulky documents.

    3. Air Box - Various sizes are available and can protect up to ten pounds (e.g., two reams of paper).

1.22.3.10  (08-02-2012)
References

  1. Available reference materials are:

    • IRM 1.22.1, Mail and Transportation Management Overview

    • USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 602.1.0

    • IRM 10.2.13, Shipping Personally Identifiable Information

    • USPS International Mail Manual (IMM)

    • USPS Publication 25, Designing Letter and Reply Mail

    • USPS Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards

    • Document 12042, Listing of Office Locations and Mailing Addresses

    • Document 12375, USPS Mail User Guide for IRS Employees

    • Document 13056, Shipping Procedures for Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

    • USPS web site at: http://www.usps.com

Exhibit 1.22.3-1 
Envelope User Guide - Document 13011

Document 13011 is available on Media and Publication web site at: http://publish.no.irs.gov/catlg.html


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