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Level 1
posted Feb 19, 2020 5:29:10 PM

Invalid Zip Code

I keep getting a "review" notification for my zip code. I live on a military installation so I have the state set to "AA" and I've tried to use their zip code. Even the zip code of the city I'm in (they're different) is getting me the same message. 

1 9 5533
9 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 19, 2020 7:02:02 PM

Try this because (AA, AE, AP) are not available options in Turbo Tax

  1. Go back to Personal Info and edit the Mailing Address.
  2. Under Type of mailing address in the dropdown choose Military (APO, FPO, or DPO)
  3. Under APO/FPO/DPO in the dropdown choose APO
  4. Under State code in the dropdown choose your location.

Level 2
Feb 25, 2020 12:17:55 AM

TurboTax has apparently NOT updated its zip code database for some time. We are deployed at the US Embassy in Bangkok. In 2019 the US Postal Service retired the old zip code and replaced it with a new one but the data people at TurboTax apparently never updated their zip code database, so we are getting error messages in TurboTax that our zip code is invalid. Attached are references: https://www.zip-codes.com/city/ae-dpo.asp

https://www.economy.com/support/blog/buffet.aspx?did=7C1C6396-6853-4964-957D-9603E6D1FD8E

Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2020 5:29:12 AM

Be sure you have made all the selections as noted above in "My Info" for your mailing address.

 

  1. Go back to Personal Info/My Info and edit the Mailing Address.
  2. Under Type of mailing address in the drop down choose Military (APO, FPO, or DPO)
  3. Under APO/FPO/DPO in the drop down choose your option
  4. Under State code in the drop down choose your location (Americas, Europe, Pacific)
  5. Put in the correct zip code.

If that doesn't work try the old zip code.  There is normally a transition period where the old will still work.  

Level 2
Mar 3, 2020 2:11:34 AM

I can't use the old zip code (96546) because it was decommissioned by the USPS in September 2019 so all mail going to it is returned to the sender. The new zip was commissioned June 2019 and it has taken some time for many merchants (including Amazon), financial institutions and other entities to update their respective databases. I've properly populated the APO/DPO/FPO information in the personal information section. The TurboTax software error checker is highlighting wherever the zip code (09974) was entered manually or inserted automatically as an invalid zip code. Someone needs to update the TurboTax zip code database.

Expert Alumni
Mar 3, 2020 6:23:31 AM

Understand.  You can wait for the update to e-file your return or you have the option to print/mail your return as well.  

Level 2
Apr 14, 2020 6:25:05 AM

Hello - same issue (Bangkok), but a month later.  Any idea when the developers will update their zip code database? I dont think it should take over 6 weeks to update a data field...

Level 2
Apr 15, 2020 8:51:28 AM

Good afternoon.  I received the following message from the Help Desk:
"

Hello,

 

Thanks for letting us know about your issue with TurboTax not accepting the zip code. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused.

 

We appreciate your patience while we looked into your issue. After investigating the issue, we found that Per the USPS: link removed; UPSP Bulletin from 2001!

 

The zip code 09974 is not an active zip code. Due to this TurboTax can not accept the zip code. Please check with the USPS for proper zip code.

 

If you’re still having trouble or there’s something else we can help you with, feel free to give us a call.

 

 

Thank you,

 

The TurboTax Help Team

----
However, the zip code I am assigned to cannot be inactive or over 5,000 US Personnel would not be receiving their mail.  The bulletin you are referencing is from 2001...zip codes have been updated since.  Please see link below: 
 
link removed; search USPS Bulletin 22519
 
APO/DPO zip codes start on page 35, DPO AE 09774 is listed ACTIVE on page 37.
 
Please update your zip code field in the automated system so I can submit my tax returns.  If you are not going to do so, please refund my fee...I would not have chosen TurboTax if I knew this was going to be an issue.  Thanks.
 

Level 2
Apr 15, 2020 9:15:25 AM

09974 IS A VALID ZIP CODE! It was initiated by the US Postal Service in 2019 for the US Embassy in Bangkok. I spoke with a TurboTax support person weeks ago who checked the error code on my return and then verified that she was able to see that it is a valid zip code on the US Postal Service website. She called in a technical expert and they said that TurboTax would be updated to fix this error. But there has not been a fix so tax returns with this zip code show errors throughout the return.

Level 2
Apr 15, 2020 10:12:59 PM

Yep - thats the same thing they told me...shouldn't take 6 weeks to update!  Thanks for the reply - hope all is well on your side of BKK.