Mailing your tax return near the deadline comes with a risk that 'matters more now than ever'
Mailing tax returns risks delays due to USPS changes.

As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, mailing tax returns carries significant risks due to delays in postmarking by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Recent operational changes have led to discrepancies between the mailing date and the postmark date, which is crucial for taxpayers to avoid penalties for late filings. With nearly 11 million tax returns mailed last year instead of e-filed, understanding these risks is more important than ever.
Key Takeaways
- 1.
In 2025, 10.9 million tax returns were not e-filed, highlighting reliance on mail.
- 2.
The IRS can impose penalties for returns filed one day late.
- 3.
The USPS has implemented changes causing increased delays in postmarking mail.
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