Quote Originally Posted by techdog View Post
What is the best way to set up the database to use and require Zip+4? The State of WA is telling us that because of the multiple taxes within each Zip that the ZIP+4 is the only proper method to use.

Also, there were questions/comments within the thread that asking about linking to the State of WA's database to check. Has anyone been able to do that?

Indeed, I am also in the State of WA.
At first I just wanted to use the first 5 numbers - and the solution worked. But I trashed that idea eventually because it wasn't really accurate.

I have no idea about a mod to link to the state's database, but that would sure be helpful.

So I used the excel sheet from the dor for the ZIP+4 rates (short version).
I then had to do heaps of work to get the zip codes into a list of ranges - to cut down on the size of the whole thing. This saved a lot of space, but the list is still quite huge.
Then had to get it into the format to use with this mod (which has been very nice). Then uploaded it using Access. Here are the column headings that I used:

local_tax_id should be numerically sequenced 1 thru ...
zone_id should all be the same for the WA zone -- 62
local_fieldmatch should all be the same -- postcode
local_datamatch should be the list of zip code ranges
local_tax_rate should be the list of local rates formatted as 2.1 instead of 0.021.
local_tax_label is the list of city names
local_tax_shipping should all be the same -- false
local_tax_class_id should all be the same – 1

One of the tricks to using the ZIP+4 is that the customers need to give you a ZIP+4. So I am using the Post Office CASS Address Verification module:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showth...987#post659987

My setup works quite well. You can check out my store at www.fashionpatterns.com. There is a small delay at checkout when the correct tax code has to be found.

I went ahead and dumped my local tax table and am posting it here in case anyone would like to have it.
http://www.fashionpatterns.com/downl...tes_090410.zip

I have been reluctant to post this because I offer no real help or guarantees of it working correctly. Nor am I ready to offer updates every three months when the state changes their rates. But if helps, go ahead and use it.

-Jason A.