Mail Your Tax Return with USPS (2024)

Use the U.S. Postal Service^® to mail your tax return, get proof that you mailed it, and track its arrival at the IRS.

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, 2024: Federal tax return filing deadline for tax year 2023 (April 17 for residentsof Maine and Massachusetts)

Check Post Office Hours

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 Send Paper Tax Returns
Use Correct Postage
Weigh your envelope using a kitchen scale or postage scale 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. Calculate Postage
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

Quick Links

Proof of Mailing

For added peace of mind, you can buy a Certificate of Mailing at the Post Office. If your return is delayed or lost, a Certificate of Mailing is a proof of mailing receipt that proves you mailed your tax return on a certain date. (After you send your taxes, keep your receipt in a safe place. The Postal Service does not keep copies of receipts).

Certificate of Mailing Service

Also, when you use a USPS service with tracking, your tracking number will provide updates as your item travels to its destination, including the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. You can access tracking information for non-signature items for 120 days (2 years for signature items). With the USPS Tracking Plus^® service, you can buy extended tracking history for up to 10 years.

USPS Tracking Plus

Mailing Options & Services

These mailing services 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^® service, you can pay for postage online and print a shipping label from your own computer. Generating a Click-N-Ship label with postage creates an electronic record for the label on that specific date, so it is important that you send your package on the shipping date you used to create the label. Your online Click-N-Ship account will save your shipping history for six months.

Print a Shipping Label

Priority Mail Express^®

1−2 business day delivery
USPS Tracking^® included
Eligible for Click-N-Ship

Priority Mail^®

1−3 business day delivery
USPS Tracking included
Eligible for Click-N-Ship
Eligible for Certificate of Mailing

First−Class Mail^®

1−5 business day delivery
Extra services available
Eligible for Certificate of Mailing

IRS Tips & Help

The Postal Service recommends that you confirm all tax information with a tax professional or theIRS.

Visit the IRS Website

FAQs

Can I mail my tax return with USPS? ›

Mail Your Tax Return with USPS

Use the U.S. Postal Service^® to mail your tax return, get proof that you mailed it, and track its arrival at the IRS. The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is addressed correctly, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date.

Read On ›

What is the best way to mail your tax return? ›

The USPS offers many different mail services, but Certified Mail is the best option for sending any tax-related documents.

Discover More Details ›

How long does the USPS take to deliver a tax return? ›

Priority Mail Service gets your tax return delivered in an average of 2-3 days. Priority Mail with USPS tracking provides a receipt of mailing for recordkeeping purposes and allows the customer to confirm electronically at usps.com, or at 1-800-222-1811, that the mailing was delivered to the IRS.

What type of envelope should I mail my tax return in? ›

Any standard, USPS accepted, envelope is fine. As a tax preparer I always strongly encourage my clients if filing a paper return, or any paperwork via USPS mail to send it certified mail for tracking purposes. It ensures that you can *prove* when you sent it and provide a tracking #.

See Details ›

Is it safe to send tax returns via mail? ›

However, when you mail your return, your data won't be encrypted. And given some areas of the US have experienced an increase in mail theft with traditional blue drop USPS mailboxes, it's best to drop your return in person at the post office. Requesting a tax refund via paper check also comes with risk.

Find Out More ›

Does IRS accept USPS priority mail? ›

The Internal Revenue Service will accept returns sent via Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express for those customers who would like verification that their return was delivered. The IRS accepts the postmark on the envelope as proof of timely filing.

Tell Me More ›

How do I know if the IRS received my mailed tax return? ›

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov.

Show Me More ›

What happens after I mail my tax return? ›

We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return. Where's My Refund?

Explore More ›

How long does it take IRS to process tax return by mail? ›

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

Can I fold my tax return to mail it? ›

Mailing instructions should print out with your return to tell you where to send your returns. Yes, you can fold your return to put it in an envelope. When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2's or any 1099's.

Show Me More ›

Do I staple or paperclip my tax return IRS? ›

Enclose your payment loosely with your return; don't staple or otherwise attach your payment or Form 1040-V to your return. Don't mail cash with your return.

Read The Full Story ›

What documents do I mail with my tax return? ›

These include:

A W-2 form from each employer.
Other earning and interest statements (1099 and 1099-INT forms)
Receipts for charitable donations; mortgage interest; state and local taxes; medical and business expenses; and other tax-deductible expenses if you are itemizing your return.

May 17, 2024

See Details ›

Is IRS accepting tax returns by mail? ›

If you're comfortable preparing your own taxes, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of your income, to file your tax returns either by mail or online.

Get More Info Here ›

What postage is needed to mail tax return? ›

One quick way to estimate the amount of postage you would need on an amended tax return in an ordinary envelope (not a large 9 X 12) is: 1 stamp for every 5 pages. So if you have 6 - 10 pages you need 2 stamps. If you are using a larger envelope, you need to add an additional stamp (Forever type).

Can I mail my tax return through UPS? ›

Send Via UPS, FedEx, etc. to the IRS

IRS Center:Attention: The addresses in this section are ONLY if you send via a private sender service, such as FedEx or UPS, that require a street mailing address.

Can I use FedEx or USPS for tax return? ›

Use certified mail, return receipt requested, if you send your return by U.S. mail. It will provide proof that it was received. The IRS accepts deliveries from FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express. But you must use an approved class of service.

View Details ›