New USPS Postmark Procedures and IRS Filings
If you use the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to mail your federal tax returns or if you send other time sensitive materials through the mail that need to be sent on or before a specific date, you will need to be aware of new procedures implemented by the USPS. Effective December 24, 2025, the postmark date stamped on your mailed item reflects the date the envelope or package was processed, not the date your item was dropped off.
E-Filing
To ensure your tax return is filed on time, you may want to consider E-Filing. If you are working with a CPA, they will most likely file your return electronically. E-Filing is also helpful for making payments on time.
Prefer Mail over E-Filing?
If you still prefer mailing your tax return, mailing tips are provided on the USPS.com website to help make certain you have proof of mailing your tax return by a specific date.
One option is to have your envelope hand-cancelled by an associate at the Post Office counter. Hand-cancellation is a free service.
Other options to prove the date your tax return was mailed include using paid services provided by the USPS such as their Certified Mail® or Registered Mail® service. Both of these options have tracking so you will know when your envelope or package arrives at the IRS.
How the IRS Determines If Your Return Was Filed On Time
The IRS considers a tax return to be filed on time if your envelope:
- Is properly addressed
- Has enough postage
- Is postmarked by the filing due date
As long as your envelope meets the above criteria, your tax return will be considered on time (even if it’s delivered after the due date).
Questions?
As always, should you have questions on this or other matters affecting you or your business, please call 215.675.8364 or email us today.
DISCLAIMER: All communications by Wouch, Maloney & Co., LLP intend to provide general information, as of the date of the communication, and may reference information from reputable sources. Although our firm has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, of the information provided. Please be aware that this is not a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter covered and it is not intended to provide specific recommendations to you or your business with respect to the matters addressed.
