“Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but nothing in this world is certain but death and taxes.”— Benjamin Franklin
It’s that time of year again, and if you count yourself as one of the millions of filers who will mail their returns this year, the Postal Service has these tips:
Double Check Postage
Postage prices for First-Class Mail and some other mailing products changed effective Sunday, April 10. Consult usps.com/prices (click on ‘calculate postage’, top left) or visit your local post office to determine correct postage. Tax agencies do not accept postage due mail and tax returns bearing insufficient postage will be returned – meaning taxpayers will be penalized for filing late tax returns.
Mail your returns early
You have just about one week left! Deposit your tax return at your local Post Office or in a blue collection box before the last scheduled pick up time to ensure your return is postmarked April 18, 2016.
Use PO Locator
To find locations that will be open late to postmark your tax return. Partner locations that provide postal services do not offer late postmarking, so verify their last collection hours.
See a post office clerk for packages over 13 ounces
Packages weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented in person to a post office clerk to comply with FAA regulations.
Write clearly
Print labels on your computer or neatly write both the destination and return addresses
Include a return address on your return
If for any reason your tax return must be returned to you, not having a return address will cause the mail piece to be sent to the postal mail recovery office for determination of the sender, delaying its return.
Ask for proof of mailing and delivery
Doing so offers your tax returns offer higher security. The Postal Service provides several services to help document your tax mailings, such as:
Certificate of Mailing Service This provides a receipt as evidence that you mailed your document.
Certified Mail Service® – A Certified Mail receipt proves you mailed your tax return and gives you online access to verify the date and time of delivery.
Return Receipt This receipt verifies both mailing and delivery, returning a postcard to you signed by the person who received your package.
Delivery service confirmation verifies the time, date, and ZIP Code your return was delivered. You can find this information with Track & Confirm.
The 2016 federal tax return filing deadline is April 18, 2016, so be sure to take this last week to get your taxes in the mail. Maine and Massachusetts residents have until April 19 to file their individual tax returns.
The Postal Service encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns as soon as possible to avoid last-minute stress and to ensure your return arrives on time. Visit usps.com for even more information.
Author: Jennifer Singleton