USPS official postmark date change

Hello, I hope you're all doing well !

I know 99.9 % of my clients e-file their tax returns, so the USPS postmark date isn't relevant in this case. However, every so often we do need to mail something that can't be e-filed. In this case, it is important to note that there has been a change at the post office that we need to be careful about.

If you "drop off" your mail at the post office, this does not necessarily ensure that your postmark will be on this same day. The "machine" the marks the mail may happen the next day (or later) due to the timing of it being done at the "processing facility".

To ensure you get the postmark the same day, I suggest you request a manual postmark from the retail counter person. Better yet, when you need proof of timely mailing, you should always purchase a Certificate of Mailing or send Registered or Certified Mail.

Bottom line, don't simply drop in their slot and assume you will get same-day postmark. And ideally, don't wait for the last minute to timely file anything to do with a tax deadline- sensitive item !