Filing taxes by mail? IRS warns a little-known change could move your deadline earlier

A change at the U.S. Postal Service could ultimately push up your deadline to file taxes.

Taxes are due April 15, but if you’re filing by mail, the necessary deadline could actually be as early as April 9, thanks to a little-known switch at the USPS, tax experts warn.

In January, the mail service said that its transportation operations have changed, so some mail might not arrive at processing facilities the same day it’s mailed out.

If your tax return doesn’t have a postmark of April 15 or earlier, the IRS will count it as late. manassanant – stock.adobe.com

Since postmarks are applied at processing facilities, the date won’t necessarily match the date that the customer’s mail was collected by a letter carrier or dropped off at a retail location.

The staggering amount of mail handled in processing can lead to the date of acceptance by the USPS differing from the postmark date — and the latter could be later than expected.

While the USPS changes are meant to improve at limited post offices, they might also have unintended consequences for taxpayers who file by mail, according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent organization within the IRS that serves taxpayers.

If your tax return doesn’t have a postmark of April 15 or earlier, the IRS will count the tax return and any payments made as late — and that can trigger penalties and interest on any amount you might owe.

One in five taxpayers lives in a rural area, where it is more likely that postmark dates will be affected by the change, TAS noted.

If you’re filing taxes by mail, the deadline could be as early as April 9. jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com

If you’re close to a filing deadline, it’s advised not to rely on a mailbox alone. One way to ensure the postmark date is the same as your date of mailing is by using an authorized private delivery service.

Several options exist to make sure a postmark date is the same as a mailing date — with documentation to prove it.

Taxpayers can go to a USPS counter directly and use certified mail, registered mail or postage validation imprint, which is a special marking indicating postage paid and date accepted.

Those options provide proof of mailing, which can protect you if there’s ever a case where you’re questioned about whether you filed on time.

If the required postage is already on the envelope and not purchased at the time of mailing, customers can request a manual postmark at any post office for free to ensure it reflects the mailing date. However, that does not create any documentation as proof.

“Remember: ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ ” TAS advised. “Taking a small step (like getting proof of mailing) can prevent much bigger issues (like penalties) down the road.”

If possible, it’s recommended to file returns electronically, as it’s the safest way to avoid any postmarking issues.

You can also request a six-month extension if you’re running short on time; it gives you until Oct. 15 to file, though it is not an extension to pay.

Taxes owed are still due by April 15.