Sending snail mail requires learning how to address an envelope. In some cases, it's fine to send an email, but there are occasions when you'll want to use an old-fashioned method of communication. Whether you're mailing an invitation, thank you note, letter, holiday card, or business correspondence, you'll need to include some basic information on the envelope to ensure that it reaches its destination promptly. Show
To properly address an envelope, it's important to put the intended recipient's name and address and the sender's name and address in the correct spots. Always double-check these elements to make sure you have the full name and correct address. TipWrite or print names and addresses clearly or you will run the risk of having the mail go to the wrong address. Make sure you do the following:
How to Address an Envelope: The BasicsMost of the time you can fall back on the general recommended rules of addressing your envelope, whether you are sending a thank you note or letter. Here are the simple steps for addressing an envelope:
TipThough it's not always required on casual or non-business pieces of mail, you can add a title to the recipient's full name as an additional sign of respect. Typical titles are Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or Dr. An example of a title would be Mrs. Emma Smith. If sending an invitation to a doctor, it's proper etiquette to spell out the word rather than abbreviating it. Sample AddressMs. Emma Smith The Spruce / Michela Buttignol Addressing a Business LetterWhen sending a business letter to a person at a company, you'll need to maintain professional etiquette throughout the entire process. Follow the basic guidelines outlined above and then add a couple more pieces of information.
TipIf you're unsure of the recipient's name, you may write "Attn: Director of Marketing," for example, on the first line. Sample AddressSydney Johnson, Creative Director or Attn: Creative Director The Spruce / Michela Buttignol Addressing Mail to Overseas Military InstallationsWhen you send a letter to a person in the military stationed overseas, use the same general guidelines outlined above with a few additions to the recipient's name and address:
Sample AddressSGT Marcus Rosa The Spruce / Michela Buttignol Mailing to Other CountriesThe general rules for addressing an envelope for European or other overseas destinations are similar:
Sample AddressAndrea Jimenez The Spruce / Michela Buttignol Addressing Mail to PO BoxesYou may need to address an envelope to a post office (PO) box if it's a bill you're paying or taxes you're paper filing. Many companies send out paper bills with their PO box address printed on the part of the invoice you need to detach and send back to the company with your payment. You can copy the address onto your own envelope if you don't have the return envelope that's often provided. Here are the general rules of how to address an envelope to a PO box:
Sample AddressSydney Johnson, Director of Accounting or Smith & Co. TipFederal taxes: To learn how to address an envelope to mail taxes to the Internal Revenue Service it's best to refer to the IRS website. That's because the PO box addresses for federal returns differ—and sometimes change—depending on the state in which you live. Here is one sample address from the federal IRS site: Internal Revenue Service State taxes: Do not send your federal and state tax returns together to the IRS. You must send your state taxes to your state's tax department. Every state has a unique state tax agency address. Which name goes first on an envelope?The traditional rule that the man's name should come first has changed—now either is appropriate. You can list the person you're closer to first or go alphabetically. If one partner has a distinguished, occupation-related title, their name should be listed first. If both do, go by rank.
How do you address an envelope with a name and title on it?Addressing an Envelope. Recipient's name.. Business's name (if applicable). Street address (with apartment or suite number). City, State and ZIP code (on the same line)*. Country*. Do you have to put Mr or Mrs on an envelope?Married Couples: Formal
Traditionally for married couples, you include the male's first and last name (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Arendt). It's likely the most familiar and the most common way to address envelopes.
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