Northern Virginia Post Offices Announce Change
For 2008 Federal Tax Filing Day

April 15 Hours Will Not be Extended

Merrifield VA — This year post offices in the Northern Virginia District will not be extending closing hours for the April 15 federal tax filing deadline as they have in the past.

“Extending business hours in the current economic environment is not a good business choice,” said Northern Virginia District Manager Michael Furey. “We exist to meet our customer needs but we also have a responsibility to provide our customers with reliable and affordable service now and in the future. Incurring additional operating costs to extend business hours April 15 is just not a practical option today,” said Furey.

The Postal Service is a reflection of the economy in general. Retail sales, employment and investment spending are all significant indicators of mail demand. During the first quarter of the year, mail volumes have declined by 5.2 billion pieces compared to the same period last year.

Below is a list of Post Office that close later than 5:00 PM:

Last minute federal tax filers still have options:

• The Northern Virginia District has 38 Automated Postal Centers (APC) located throughout the Northern Virginia area. Customers can locate a 24-hour (APC’s) at www.usps.com/locator. An APC can be used for most mailing and shipping transactions. Mailers using an Automated Postal Center (APC), or self-service kiosks, should be aware that APCs do not provide “proof of mailing” as the date of sale on the receipt does not necessarily represent the mailing date.
• Usps.com is available 24/7 from the convenience of your home office. Customers may take advantage of special discounts for on-line shipping services. Online discounts save customers from 3 to 11 percent on Priority and Express Mail service. Go to www.usps.com to complete your on-line transaction and arrange free pick up service. Customers who print on-line postage on April 15 may place the mail piece in a collection box or drop box at the nearest retail unit.

Mailers are strongly advised to check the last pickup time posted on blue collection boxes before depositing their returns as there will be no special collection of mail from these boxes. An April 15 postmark will be provided if the mail is deposited by the last pickup time posted.