HEADS UP: USPS may no longer postmark mailings the day they are mailed - like TAX RETURNS.

[CousinIT]

This is IMPORTANT not only for tax returns but ALSO FOR MAILED VOTING BALLOTS. I STRONGLY suspect Trump and Republicans intend to use this new rule to DISQUALIFY many, many ballots in the 2026 and 2028 elections (in fact I believe that is the primary reason for the change, not that they would ever admit it).

Edit: supposedly, this new rule went into effect 12/24/2025

MODS NOTE: I posted the entire article since it is not from a media outlet but rather from the National Society of Tax Professionals, so copyright issues likely would not apply.

https://nstp.org/article/usps-announces-changes-postmark-date-system

USPS Announces Changes to the Postmark Date System

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has adopted a final rule (FR Doc. 2025-20740) adding Section 608.11, "Postmarks and Postal Possession," to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). The rule formally defines postmarks and identifies the types of markings that qualify as such. Its primary purpose is to improve public understanding that while a postmark confirms the USPS possessed a mail piece on the date inscribed, that date does not necessarily align with the date the USPS first accepted possession of the item. The rule clarifies that the USPS does not postmark all mail in the ordinary course of operations and that the absence of a postmark does not imply the USPS did not accept custody.

Impact on Postmarking Timing: The rule clarifies that the date displayed on a machine-applied postmark represents the "date of the first automated processing operation" performed at a processing facility, rather than the date the mail was dropped off.

Potential Delays: Because most postmarks are applied at processing facilities, the date inscribed may be later than the date the mail piece was first accepted by the USPS. This discrepancy is expected to become more common due to the implementation of the "Regional Transportation Optimization" (RTO) initiative and the adoption of "leg-based" service standards.

Operational Reality: The rule codifies the operational reality that postmarking operations often cross calendar days or occur after transportation from a retail unit, meaning the postmark date is not a "perfectly reliable indicator" of the date of mailing.

Ensuring a Postmark on the Date of Delivery: To assure a postmark is applied on the same day a document is delivered to the USPS, individuals must utilize specific retail services. The final rule outlines the following methods:

Request a Manual Postmark: Customers may present a mail piece at a retail counter and request a "manual (local) postmark". This postmark is applied at the time of acceptance, so the date aligns with the date the USPS took possession.

Postage Validation Imprint (PVI): When a customer pays for postage at a retail counter, the PVI label applied by the employee also indicates the date of acceptance.

Certificates of Mailing: Customers may purchase a Certificate of Mailing, or use Registered or Certified Mail, to obtain a receipt that serves as evidence of the date the item was presented for mailing.

This change in USPS processes will have a potentially significant impact on tax filings. IRC §7502 specifically relies upon the postmark date applied to an envelope to determine timely filing if the document is not physically delivered to the IRS office by the due date for such document.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

1. trump will try to cheat in the upcoming mid term election

[CousinIT]

2. This is why he wants "election fraud" "investigated". He plans to use "election fraud" excuses

to have Congress refuse to seat elected Dems in 2026 and to scream 'FRAUD' again in 2028 if Republicans lose anywhere.

He wants DoJ to MANUFACTURE "proof" of fraud, which SHitler and his crime syndicate cult will then use to prevent fairly elected Democrats from taking office.

[Raven123]

3. Sounds like a two tier system for a postmark. No good reason

I hope the next Democratic president is keeping a tally of all of these rules and I hope he/she forgoes the post inauguration balls and celebrations. Take the oath, scurry down to the White House and spend the first weeks of the new presidency undoing this colossal nonsense. Have as many orders as possible ready to sign - and by all means, use the auto pen, just because.

[CousinIT]

4. If the Dems aren't working on Project 2029 with that included and more...

...they're not doing their jobs.

[Raven123]

5. Agreed.

Draft those executive orders and have them ready.

[moonscape]

6. My small local post office sends

mail to a larger center for processing, and for years has carried the processing city’s postmark. Often, it would be a day later, so I have been getting hand stamps when the date was important for years.

And. i’m in the greater SF Bay Area!

[dalton99a]

7. Kick