USPS Making Changes to Postmark Date System

Published: Dec 5, 2025

USPS is changing its postmark rules effective 12/24/25. Machine postmarks may reflect processing date, not drop-off date, which could affect timely tax filings. To protect filing dates, request a manual postmark or use Certified or Registered Mail.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is changing its postmark date system, effective 12/24/25. This new rule, published in the 11/24/25 Federal Register, clarifies that a machine-applied postmark indicates the date of the "first automated processing operation" at a processing facility, which may be later than the date the mail was dropped off. This could be problematic for tax filings, because if received after the due date, the document won't be considered timely filed or the payment timely made unless the postmark bears a date on or before the due date (IRC Sec. 7502). According to the rule, a sender who relies on this timely mailing rule should request a manual postmark by presenting their envelope at a USPS retail counter. The postage validation imprint applied to the envelope when a customer pays for postage will also show the correct USPS acceptance date. Senders may also use Registered or Certified Mail to obtain a receipt as evidence of the mailing date. FR Doc. 2025-20740.

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