Mail Your Tax Return with USPS
Use the U.S. Postal Service® to file with confidence on tax day. Find the right products and services to fit your tax-filing needs.
Federal Tax Deadlines
The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is correctly addressed, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date.
- October 15, 2018 — Federal tax return extension deadline
- April 15, 2019 — Federal tax return filing deadline
Use Find USPS® Locations to see Post Offices™ that will be open late to postmark your tax return. Approved Postal Providers® do not offer late postmarking, so verify their last collection hours.
Fraud Alert: Before mailing your tax return this year, read CyberSafe at USPS® tips on spotting tax-related fraud and phishing scams.
Mailing Tips
- Use enough postage.
Double-check your envelope. Does it weigh more than 1 oz? Tax returns without enough postage will be returned. - Label with correct, clear addresses.
Print labels on your computer or neatly write both the destination and return addresses. Not sure where to mail your federal tax return? Check with the IRS.
Where to File Paper Tax Returns - Make sure your return is postmarked on time.
Mail your return in a Collection Box® or at a Postal location that has a pickup time before the deadline.
Proof of Mailing Services
Show that you mailed the tax return, that your return was delivered, or both.
- Return Receipt
Get an electronic or physical delivery record showing who signed for your tax return. - Certified Mail® Service
Get a receipt that shows when your tax return was delivered or when delivery was attempted. Combine with Return Receipt to get a record showing who signed for your tax return. - Certificate of Mailing Service
Have evidence that you sent your tax return. Get an official record showing the date your tax return was accepted.
Mailing Options & Services
Choose how you want to mail your federal or state tax return and the extra services you want. We’ll get it where it’s going.
These mailing options apply a postmark to your return. If it is postmarked by the deadline date, your return is on time.
Priority Mail Express®
- 1−2 business day delivery
- USPS Tracking® included
- Signature at delivery available Learn More about Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail®
- 1−3 business day delivery
- USPS Tracking included Learn More about Priority Mail
First−Class Mail®
- 2−3 business day delivery
- Extra services can be added Learn More about First-Class Mail
Online Services
Click-N-Ship®
Print Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail shipping labels with Click-N-Ship.
Print a Shipping Label
The Postal Store®
Get First-Class Mail® stamps and additional mailing supplies online from The Postal Store.
Order Stamps & Supplies
Need More Tax Help?
The Postal Service® recommends that tax filers confirm all tax information with a tax professional or the IRS.