Tax records mailing address incorrect, how do I find them?

Question

One of my mail pieces I sent from driving for dollars was returned as "Vacant".  I sent the marketing piece to the address listed in the tax records but apparently this address is incorrect.  What is the best way to find the correct address?  I've read a little about skip tracing but have never done this before.  Any and all advice is more than welcomed.  Thanks in advance and hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Ned Carey · Answer

There are plenty of online services that will help you find people.  But it often requires your own detective work in addition to the reports they give you. Many reports will give former addresses, relatives business associates etc you need to track them down too. Neighbors especially can be helpful.  It is both an art and a skill that will improve with time and experience.

You can pay a private detective and that can cost $50 to $500. Seems like a high price to pay but if you spend $2k tracking down various people and it lands you 1 deal that makes you $10K then it is a good return.

Joshua Martin · Answer

Hey @Trey Foradory. From what I can tell, there's no great, sure-fire path to finding it. I've used spokeo and intellius, and frankly, both seemed a bit useless as they didn't have current address or the 'current address' they provided was incorrect and my mail was returned again. I currently have about 20 pieces of return mail that I need to track down, and a local wholesaler told me she has good luck with peoplesmart for about $60 a year. Otherwise I don't know all that much about skip tracing, but know that's it's a little more expensive per search because you're hiring a professional to track someone down. I bet it's more reliable and they know what they're doing, but the value also costs more. For me, I'm going to try that peoplesmart I just mentioned and see how it goes.

Best of luck,

JTM