Mail Your Tax Return with USPS
Use the U.S. Postal Service® to mail your tax return, track its arrival at the IRS, and get a receipt for when it was delivered.
Federal Tax Deadline
The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is addressed correctly, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date.
- April 15, 2019 – Federal tax return filing deadline
- October 15, 2019 – Federal tax return extension deadline
Mailing Tips
- Send to the Correct Address
Check the IRS website for where to mail your tax return. Write both the destination and return addresses clearly or print your mailing label and postage.
Where to File Paper Tax Returns - Use Correct Postage
Weigh your envelope and apply the right amount of postage. Most tax returns are several pages long and weigh more than 1 oz. Tax returns sent without enough postage will be returned. - Meet the Postmark Deadline
If your tax return is postmarked by the filing date deadline, the IRS considers it on time. Mail your return in a USPS blue collection box or at a Postal location that has a pickup time before the deadline. Some Post Office™ locations offer extended hours and late postmarking for tax filers. Call a Post Office near you to find out if it will be open late on tax day.
Find USPS Locations
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 at the Post Office.
Mailing Options & Services
These mailing services are eligible for delivery signature services, and apply a postmark to your return. If your return is postmarked by the IRS deadline date, it is considered on time. With Click-N-Ship®, you can pay for postage online and print a shipping label from your own computer.
- Priority Mail Express®
- 1−2 business day delivery
- USPS Tracking® included
- Pay for postage online
- Priority Mail®
- 1−3 business day delivery
- USPS Tracking® included
- Pay for postage online
- First−Class Mail®
- 1−3 business day delivery
- Extra services available
IRS Tips & Help
The Postal Service® recommends that you confirm all tax information with a tax professional or the IRS.
Visit the IRS Website