Paper Tax Return Postmark Deadline Tips

Filing a paper tax return? Don’t be late.

At Virginia Tax, we consider paper tax returns to be filed on time if they are postmarked on or before the due date (May 1 for most individual income tax filers, for example). Recently, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) changed their process, so mail might not be postmarked the same day that you mail it.

Here are some steps you can take to avoid a late return:

• Mail us your tax return early if you can. File your return as early as you can to avoid missing deadlines.
• Request a manual postmark. If you can’t file until close to, or on, a due date, you can ask your local post office to manually postmark your return. Doing this will ensure your tax return is postmarked the day you mail it.
• Ditch the paper. Consider filing electronically. Electronic filing is the fastest, safest, and easiest way to file your return.

Published on: February 24, 2026
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