New IRS Regulations for Mailing Your Tax Return

Starting this year the IRS accepts mailed tax payments via USPS, but new regulations mean postmarks may not reflect actual drop-off date, making hand-stamped, certified, or electronic payments safer. For timely filing, we suggest using the USPS Certified mail with a return receipt for proof of delivery

2026 IRS-USPS Payments

• New Postmark Rules: Effective late 2025, the USPS postmark date reflects when mail is processed at a facility, not when it is deposited. A letter dropped on April 15th might not be postmarked until the next day, causing it to be considered late.
• Best Practices: To guarantee a timely postmark, go to a post office counter and request a hand-stamped postmark.
• Certified Mail: Use Certified Mail® for proof of mailing and to track delivery.
• Payment Details: Make checks/money orders payable to “United States Treasury” and do not staple them to the return or Form 1040-V.
• Address: Ensure you use the correct IRS mailing address for your location and the type of payment.
• Alternatives: While USPS is accepted, the IRS encourages using electronic options like Direct Pay.

PPL encourages clients that historically mail their payments to consider paying electronically.

Listed below are key electronic payment methods suggested by the IRS:

1. IRS Direct Pay:

1. • Pay directly from your checking or savings account.

1. • Free, secure, and offers instant confirmation.

1. • Schedule payments up to 30 days in advance.

1. IRS Online Account:

1. • Pay balances, estimated taxes, or other tax types.

1. • View payment history and scheduled payments.

1. Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) (When E-Filing):

1. • Authorize payment directly from your bank account when filing your return electronically.

1. Debit Card, Credit Card, or Digital Wallet:

1. • Pay online through third-party processors (fees apply).

1. • Supports Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, and more.

1. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS):

1. • A Treasury Department system for all federal taxes (enrollment required).

1. • For businesses and individuals, though individuals are encouraged to use their online account for most payments now.