Postal service urges early tax form mailing

Tax season is upon us once again and the deadline for mailing in tax returns to the U.S. Government has been set for April 16 this year.

The April 15 deadline was extended by one day, since the deadline fell on a Sunday. Considering the already extended deadline, the postal service opted not to extend hours as it has done in the past. The post office's hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday. In the past, the post office has post-marked mail received as late as a minute before midnight on dates when the April 15 deadline fell on a business day.

"April 15 falls on a Sunday this year and we expect our walk-in business to start increasing the Monday before," Sparta Postmaster Mary Jane Younger said last week. "Those who are able to mail their returns sooner will likely save themselves time and trouble."

With the likely surge to come on Monday, the local post office is bracing itself for the annual rush of last-minute filers.

For those mailers needing a confirmation of their tax return, the postal service is suggesting Priority Mail with the delivery confirmation service.

"The service will provide you with a receipt of mailing for your records and allow you to confirm, electronically via the web at www.usps.com, or through our toll-free number at 1-800-222-1811, that your return was delivered to the IRS," added Younger.

To ensure returns are processed without delay, the following tips are offered:

• If using an envelope other than the one provided by the IRS, be sure the address is legible, correct and complete. Typed addresses are preferred. Always include a return address.
• Airline security regulations require that stamped mailings weighing more than 16 ounces must be presented in person to a retail clerk at a post office.
• Make sure your tax return has sufficient postage. First class postage is 34 cents for the first ounce and 21 cents for each additional ounce. If in doubt, weigh your package at the post office.
• Tax filers should double check the collection time schedules if they choose to use a lobby or outdoor collection box. If your letter is received after the last collection, it will be postmarked for the next day.

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