In recent weeks, we’ve heard about an adjustment in how mail will be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and how this could affect customers.
On December 24, 2025, the USPS adjusted how postmarked dates are determined. The mail will be postmarked once it is received and processed at a regional sorting facility. This means the date on the postmark applied from the sorting facility may not match the date the mail was dropped off at your local post office, in a mailbox or collected. Items dropped off near deadlines may receive a postmark date that is one, two or more days after it was mailed, which could result in late penalties or interest charges to the customer, depending on what agency you are mailing your document to.
What you should do to guarantee same-day postmark:
- Bring it to the post office counter and request a “manual/hand-stamp postmark”.
- Use certified mail and obtain a postmarked receipt as proof of mailing.
In an effort to reduce fraud and increase efficiency, the IRS and other taxing authorities have indicated they are also starting to phase out receiving paper payments via traditional mail with limited exceptions.
This is an important update, especially if mailing in time-sensitive tax or legal documents or payments. Take the extra few minutes to get the hand-stamp or send it certified mail if you must send a paper document. Though for now the IRS is still recognizing the “timely mailed, timely filed” rule for mailed returns or payments, taxpayers are strongly encouraged to use existing electronic options. You’ll be happy you did!
If you have any questions regarding this important topic, please contact our office for assistance.
Article submitted by Béatrice R. Calen, EA
