Alabama DOR Notice: USPS Postmark Changes Affect Tax Filing

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Published January 28th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Alabama Department of Revenue is alerting taxpayers and tax professionals to recent USPS postmarking procedure changes that may affect the timeliness of mailed tax documents. The new process may delay postmark dates, potentially leading to late penalties or rejected filings.

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What changed

The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) has issued a notice regarding a change in United States Postal Service (USPS) postmarking procedures, effective December 24, 2025. Under the new system, mail will be postmarked based on the date it is first processed at a regional facility, rather than the date it is dropped off at a local post office. This change could result in postmark dates that are several days later than the actual mailing date, which is critical for determining the timeliness of tax returns, payments, and appeals submitted to ALDOR, the IRS, and other agencies.

Taxpayers and tax professionals who file or pay by mail must be aware of this change to avoid potential late penalties, interest charges, or rejected filings. ALDOR strongly advises mailing documents early, requesting hand-stamped postmarks at the counter, purchasing postage at the counter to ensure the correct acceptance date, or using services like Certified or Registered Mail for proof of mailing date. The department also encourages the use of e-filing and e-payments as a more reliable alternative to avoid these issues.

What to do next

Advise clients to mail tax documents significantly before deadlines.
Recommend requesting hand-stamped postmarks or using Certified/Registered Mail for mailed submissions.
Encourage adoption of e-filing and e-payments where possible.

Penalties

Late penalties, interest charges, or rejected filings due to delayed postmarks.

Source document (simplified)

Category Notices Related Division

Posted: January 28, 2026 The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) is alerting taxpayers and tax professionals to recent updates to the United States Postal Service (USPS) procedures that may affect postmark dates on mailed tax returns, payments, appeals, and other time-sensitive correspondence.

On December 24, 2025, USPS began postmarking letters and packages with the date mail is first processed at a regional facility rather than the date an item is dropped off at a local post office or mailbox. Under this new system, the postmark date may occur days after a taxpayer deposited mail with USPS. For more information about USPS post marks, visit https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/assets/overview-of-dmm-section-on-postmarking.pdf.

Why does this matter?

ALDOR, the IRS, and other agencies use the postmark date to determine if your filing was on time. A delayed postmark could lead to late penalties, interest charges, or rejected filings.

How to avoid problems if you file or pay by mail:

Mail early. Do not wait until the due date to mail — allow extra time for postmarking and delivery.
Go to the counter. Request a hand-stamped postmark showing the actual mailing date.
Buy postage at the counter. The printed label includes the correct acceptance date.
Use Certified or Registered Mail. These services provide a receipt with the mailing date for proof. ALDOR strongly encourages taxpayers to consider e-filing and making e-payments if possible.

Returns may be e-filed by a paid tax professional or for self-prepared returns through tax preparation software or directly with the department through My Alabama Taxes. To learn more about e-filing, visit
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/individual-corporate/individual-income-tax-electronic-filing-options/.

For electronic payment options, visit https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/make-a-payment/.

Contact
Alabama Department of Revenue
334-242-1170

Download a pdf of this notice.