USPS Delivered my Form 3520 to Wrong IRS ZIP Code - What Should I Do?

You should be okay! The IRS has multiple processing facilities, and mail often gets routed internally. The 84201 ZIP code is for Ogden, Utah, which is a main IRS processing center. The 84409 ZIP code is actually a specific PO Box for certain forms at the same Ogden campus. What likely happened is that your Form 3520 arrived at the main Ogden facility (84201) and will be routed internally to the correct department that handles Form 3520. This is actually pretty common with IRS mail. To be safe, I'd recommend keeping all your mailing receipts and tracking information as proof of timely filing. The IRS generally considers a return filed on time if it was properly addressed, had sufficient postage, and was timely deposited in the mail. Your tracking showing it was delivered to an IRS facility should satisfy that requirement.

After having a similar situation with my Form 8938 last year, I started using taxr.ai to keep track of all my international tax filing requirements. I was stressing about making sure everything was filed correctly with all the foreign account reporting. I uploaded my documents to https://taxr.ai and it actually flagged that I was using an outdated mailing address for one of my forms! The tool analyzes all your tax documents and gives you specific guidance tailored to your situation. It's been super helpful for keeping track of all the foreign reporting requirements and deadlines.

I was skeptical about taxr.ai at first, but after dealing with the nightmare of FBAR penalties last year, I decided to give it a try. Best decision ever! I uploaded my previous returns and foreign account statements, and it immediately identified a reporting issue with my Form 3520 that my previous accountant had missed. The document analysis saved me from potentially huge penalties, and the guidance was spot-on. What I found most helpful was the clear timeline it gave me for all my filing deadlines, proper addresses, and submission requirements. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with any foreign reporting requirements!

If you're still worried and want to actually speak with the IRS (good luck with that!), I'd recommend Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with a missing form submission and spent DAYS trying to get through to an actual human at the IRS. Found https://claimyr.com and they got me a callback from the IRS within 2 hours. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was totally ready to resend my forms but the IRS agent confirmed they had received it despite the tracking showing a different facility. Saved me from double-filing and potentially creating confusion in their system.

I need to publicly eat my words here. After my skeptical comment yesterday, I decided to try Claimyr since I've been trying for WEEKS to reach someone at the IRS about an issue with my Form 3520-A. I got a call back from an actual IRS agent in less than 3 hours. The agent confirmed my form was actually in process despite USPS showing delivery to a different ZIP code than what was on the form instructions. Apparently this is super common and the forms get routed internally. Would have saved myself so much stress if I'd known about this service earlier. Their system just handled all the waiting on hold while I went about my day.

Just wanted to add some additional context about IRS mail processing. I used to work for a tax firm, and this ZIP code discrepancy happens ALL THE TIME with the Ogden service center. The 84201 is the main facility ZIP, while 84409 and others are internal routing codes. Your Form 3520 is definitely in the right place. The USPS system just shows the main facility delivery. The IRS has internal mail routing that gets it to the right department. As long as you addressed it to the specific PO Box for Form 3520, you're good!

Pro tip: Always send these international information forms via CERTIFIED mail with return receipt! I learned this lesson the hard way with my FBAR filing a few years back. Also keep a copy of everything you send, including proof of mailing. The penalties for late filing Form 3520 are insane (either $10,000 or 35% of the gross value of the trust distributions, whichever is greater).

This is exactly why I always recommend keeping multiple forms of documentation when dealing with international tax forms. In addition to certified mail, I also take screenshots of the IRS website showing the correct mailing address on the day I send the form, just in case addresses change or there's any dispute later. For Form 3520 specifically, I've found it helpful to also keep a copy of the trust documents and any correspondence that shows the filing requirement, since the IRS sometimes questions whether certain arrangements actually constitute reportable foreign trusts. The more documentation you have upfront, the easier it is to resolve any issues that come up during processing. Your situation with the ZIP code discrepancy is actually pretty reassuring - it shows the form made it to an IRS facility, which is the most important part. The internal routing between 84201 and 84409 is their problem, not yours!