Mail Your Tax Return with USPS

Having the right information at hand is half the battle when doing your taxes. Use this checklist to gather the information you need to prepare your taxes…

Personal Information
Social Security Numbers (including spouses, children, and other dependents)
Child care provider: Name, address, and Tax I.D. or Social Security Number
Residential address(es) for this year

Employment & Income Information
W-2 forms from all employers
Retirement income (e.g., IRA distributions, pension plans, annuities): Form 1099-R
Interest and dividend income: Form 1099 from banks, brokerage firms, or mutual fund companies
Small business income: Schedule C
Unemployment compensation: Form 1099-G
Miscellaneous income (e.g., freelance, contract, other): Form 1099-MISC
Investment income (sales of stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
State and local income tax refunds: Form 1099-G
Scholarships or grants received: Form 1099-G
Alimony received: Form 1099-G

Deductible Payments
IRA contributions
Student loan interest payments
Alimony payments

Itemized Deductions
Medical expenses
Real estate taxes paid
Personal property taxes (includes auto)
Home mortgage interest
Gifts to charity

Other Expenses
Unreimbursed expenses related to your job
Child care expenses
Educational expenses
Moving expenses

Miscellaneous
Federal, state, and local estimated income tax paid for current year
Records to document medical expenses or other expenditures that may not be deductible
Records for any other revenue or sales of property that may be taxable or reportable

Find answers to common tax time questions…

How should I mail my tax forms?
Use First-Class Mail® postage. The IRS recognizes the First-Class Mail postmark as proof that a return has been mailed on time. Use provided labels where possible, write clearly, and always include return information.

Be sure to use sufficient postage—double-check your envelope if it feels like it might weigh more than 1 oz, as tax returns bearing insufficient postage will be returned.

To avoid the rush at the Post Office™, mail your return in a Collection Box® receptacle. But make sure the posted pick-up time will occur before your deadline.

Where can I get general help with my tax forms?
If you need answers to specific tax-related questions, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAX-1040 (1-800-829-1040), or visit their web site.
Go to the IRS web site ›

What is the latest time I can mail my tax return?
Use the Post Office Locator to find the operating hours of the Post Office nearest you.
Find a Post Office ›

Can I use Click-N-Ship® for my tax returns?
You can use Click-N-Ship to send your tax return via Priority Mail Express™ or Priority Mail®, which includes USPS Tracking™. Be sure to verify the mailing address for your return by visiting the IRS website or with the address listed on your tax booklet.
Get started with Click-N-Ship ›

How can I be sure my tax return gets to where it’s going?
USPS Tracking lets you get tracking updates, including date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.