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2h ago

USPS Revises Postmark Definition, Raising Stakes for Ballots and Tax Deadlines

USPS says it is clarifying existing practice, urging customers with deadlines to request a manual postmark at the counter.

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A mail ballot drop box is seen at a polling station on Nov. 4, 2025, in Arlington, VA.
Left: Woman looking into the camera wearing red glasses, text overlay reads "USPS changed what a postmark means. That's a problem." Right: Two USPS mailboxes at curbside.

Overview

  • The final rule, effective Dec. 24, 2025, adds DMM §608.11 and defines machine postmarks as the date of first automated processing rather than the drop‑off date.
  • With mail now typically postmarked at regional processing centers under new transportation schedules, dates can lag by a day or more and create deadline risks.
  • Tax returns and payments governed by the mailbox rule under IRC §7502, along with bill payments and legal filings, may be recorded late if mailed on a deadline day.
  • In jurisdictions that count ballots postmarked by Election Day, some timely‑mailed ballots could receive later dates, and the Supreme Court is set to review grace‑period rules.
  • USPS recommends requesting a free manual local postmark or counter‑issued PVI label, or using Certificates of Mailing or certified/registered mail, and some local officials are advising earlier mailing.