Major Changes to Postmarked Mail: What Do Taxpayers Need to Know for Timely Filing?
Published on by Trevor Instine in Tax Services
If you’re used to mailing your tax returns or payments close to the deadline, a recent change from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) could have a big impact on your filing strategy. Here’s what’s changing, how it could affect you, and what you can do to ensure your documents are considered timely filed.
What’s changing?
Starting December 24, 2025, USPS machine-applied postmarks may no longer reflect the date you dropped your mail at the post office or collection box. Instead, the postmark will show the date of first automated processing. This means if you deposit your tax return or payment later in the day or in a collection box that isn’t processed until the next day, the postmark could be a day later than your actual mailing date.
How could this affect taxpayers?
The IRS follows the “timely mailing as timely filing” rule, which treats documents as filed on the date of the postmark. With the new USPS process, there’s a risk that your return or payment could be postmarked after the deadline, even if you mailed it on time. This could result in late filing penalties interest or jeopardize elections that need to be made on a timely filed return.
How can you avoid these issues?
Here’s what you can do to ensure your tax documents are considered timely filed:
- Use certified or registered mail: When you send your tax return or payment via certified or registered mail, the date stamped by the postal employee on your receipt is treated as the official mailing date, regardless of the postmark on the envelope. This is the most reliable way to prove timely mailing.
- Use PVI labels: If paying at the counter, the Postage Validation Imprint (PVI) label applied by the employee will also show the date of acceptance.
- Consider private delivery services: The IRS recognizes certain private delivery services (PDS) as valid for timely filing. The date recorded in the service’s electronic database is treated as the postmark date. Check the IRS website for the current PDS list accepted by the IRS.
- Mail early: If you have to use regular mail, try to mail your documents at least a day or two before the deadline to account for any processing delays.
- Keep documentation: Always keep your mailing receipts and any tracking information as proof of timely mailing.
Moving forward
The most recent change to USPS postmarking procedures could catch many taxpayers off guard. By understanding the new rules and taking proactive steps, like using certified mail or an approved private delivery service, you can avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure your tax filings are accepted as timely.
If you have questions about how these changes could affect your tax filings or want help choosing the best way to submit returns or payments, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our top tax pros and get the guidance you need to file with confidence.
While you’re here, you may also be interested in our recent blog posts covering what the OBBBA means for individual taxpayers, guidance on determining your OBBBA deduction for tips and overtime, or how the car loan interest deduction works under the OBBBA.
