Post Office Expects 3.5 Million Tax Returns Mailed in IL and MO

ST LOUIS — The Internal Revenue Service estimates 3.5 million individual federal tax returns will be mailed this year in Illinois and Missouri. That’s 39 percent of all individual returns filed in the two states.

Though more returns are filed electronically than in hard copy, mailed returns are still expected to increase over last year. Why? Because more Americans are expected to file tax returns this year.

“The most common mistakes Americans make in mailing their forms are not including enough postage and not providing the correct IRS mailing address,” said St. Louis Postmaster Robert Cavinder. “After the first ounce — which usually covers about four, letter-sized sheets — mailers need to add 17 cents for each additional ounce.”

“Post offices are not extending retail hours on tax day so customers are encouraged to mail early in the day,” Cavinder said. “The downtown Main Post Office is open until 8 p.m. and postal employees will be at the curb on Market Street until mid-night collecting late mailed returns.”

Customers may also mail returns at Automated Postal Centers (APC) located in many post office lobbies and at Centralized Postal Units (CPUs) throughout the city. A debit or credit card is required to use APCs located at post offices in Ballwin, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Gaffney, Kirkwood, MacKenzie Pointe, Olivette, Sappington and South County.

If you haven’t sent your taxes in, you’re not alone. Typically, 20 percent of all Americans wait until the last week to file their returns.

The IRS offers these suggestions if you mail a paper return,:

• Use the peel-off label. You can make necessary corrections right on the label. If you do not have a peel-off label, fill in all requested information clearly, including the Social Security numbers.
• Check only one filing status on the tax return and check the appropriate exemption boxes. Enter the correct Social Security numbers for each of those exemptions.
• Use the correct Tax Table column for your filing status.
• Arithmetic errors are common, so double check all figures.
• Get your refund faster and use direct deposit. Make sure that the financial institution routing and account numbers are accurate. Incorrect numbers can cause the refund to be delayed or misdirected.
• Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. Attach all Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and other forms that reflect tax withheld to the front of the return. Attach all other necessary forms and schedules.
• If you owe tax, enclose a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury” and Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. Or, you may choose to pay by credit card by contacting one of the credit card service providers.