Will mailing my tax return by April 15 still count as on time?
The USPS has changed its transportation operations, making postmark dates possibly later than expected.
Previously, when you dropped your tax return in a mailbox on April 15, it generally received an April 15 postmark.
Now, the postmark may be a day or more after you mailed it. This means a return you physically mail on April 15 could receive an April 16 (or later) postmark.
How does this impact my taxes?
IRS rules about this haven’t changed. The IRS still uses the postmark date to determine whether you mailed your tax return on time.
So, if your return is postmarked after April 15, the IRS may consider it late, even if you mailed it on time.
How can I avoid a late postmark?
The safest options are:
E-file your return. It's the most reliable way to meet the deadline because your submission is timestamped the moment it's submitted.
Mail earlier. If you prefer to mail, send your return a few days before April 15 to give USPS time to process and postmark it by the deadline.
Use certified mail. If you mail close to the deadline, USPS certified mail provides a dated receipt that can serve as proof of your mailing date.
