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Level 3
posted Mar 17, 2025 4:46:35 PM

I just used a priority mail express with a signature instead of certified mail, is that alright?

Hello,

 

I mailed my amended return to the IRS but I ended up using the Priority mail express with the signature. I know the recommendation is to use ‘certified mail’ which I wanted to do but I had already grabbed the priority mail envelope and the clerk said it was totally fine to use the priority. 

any issues? 

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Mar 17, 2025 4:49:11 PM

There shouldn't be any issues.  Certified mail offers you some proof of delivery in the unlikely event that the IRS records don't properly credit your return as delivered timely, but this is not a common issue.  Priority mail offers some proof as well, though it's deemed as proof it was delivered rather than received.   

In all likelihood, your tax return will be properly marked as received as of the day on your postmark.  

6 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 17, 2025 4:49:11 PM

There shouldn't be any issues.  Certified mail offers you some proof of delivery in the unlikely event that the IRS records don't properly credit your return as delivered timely, but this is not a common issue.  Priority mail offers some proof as well, though it's deemed as proof it was delivered rather than received.   

In all likelihood, your tax return will be properly marked as received as of the day on your postmark.  

Level 3
Mar 17, 2025 5:03:16 PM

@SusanY1 Thank you! The line was long and I had already written the address on the priority envelope. This is a relief! It’s an 2023 amendment and not a 2024. Question, does the IRS send me a receipt at some point? 

Expert Alumni
Mar 17, 2025 5:10:27 PM

You typically won't receive a receipt from the IRS but you can confirm receipt of the amendment and watch the process by reviewing the account transcripts.  You can view your account transcript using the link below:

 

@Snowy_Desert 

Level 15
Mar 17, 2025 5:10:32 PM


@ Snowy_Desert 

wrote:

Thank you! The line was long and I had already written the address on the priority envelope. This is a relief! It’s an 2023 amendment and not a 2024. Question, does the IRS send me a receipt at some point? 


Only if you paid extra for a return receipt.  Even then, the IRS doesn't always return the receipt, since they sometimes just sign for the whole bag/container of mail that has a manifest list and are not always great about returning the receipt card.  If you have a tracking number, you can hopefully tell in the USPS tracking tool at USPS if it was delivered.     It takes the IRS 8-12 weeks to process an amended return, according to their website.

 

About 3 weeks after they get it, it should show up in this tool:

Where's My Amended Return

https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return

Level 3
Mar 17, 2025 7:49:10 PM

Thank you! Much appreciated. 

Level 3
Mar 17, 2025 7:49:32 PM

Noted. Thanks so much!