You want to be sure that your tax returns are actually received. We look at how and why to mail federal tax returns by certified mail.
When it comes to dealing with tax returns, nothing springs uncertainly into the hearts of even the most confident individuals. Since no one wants to pay extra to file late when they haven't applied for an extension, it's important to get everything your federal tax returns off in a timely manner.
But what's the best method to ensure there's no snags or hang-ups along the way? Is there anything you can do to feel confident about your return getting to the right place on time?
If you're asking, its time to explore the benefits of certified mail. Learn more about how this service can help when dealing with the IRS postmark rule.
Understand Your Options for Handling Tax Returns
When it comes to handling federal tax returns, there's a variety of ways to get yours sent in.
These methods include:
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E-filing
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Regular mail by USPS
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Private delivery by FedEx or DHL
While many folks elect to use electronic submission, there's still a fair number of people who use snail mail.
Millennials are most likely to mail in their tax returns. They believe doing so can protect them and is the best way to handle sending in their forms.
It's also understandable that many millennials get busy and can forget about the tax deadline. Unlike their parents, they have less experience paying taxes and don't always remember when it's due.
That's why it's crucial to remember the rules the IRS sets about mailed returns.
Once you know what the IRS expects and what they consider mailed by you, the customer, you can feel confident you'll meet their expectations.
This helps you avoid penalties and other problems commonly associated with mailing taxes too late.
Remember Important Steps for Mailing Your Return
If you're set on mailing your returns, there's no reason to change your plans. Following these simple guidelines can help you feel confident before mailing your return, and ensure it gets to the right place.
Double check that you have a return address in case your return gets sent back for some reason. Make sure the address for your federal return is correct, down to the zip code so you avoid having your return sent to the wrong department.
Different areas of the country have separate addresses to send your return. You can check them here.
If your return feels heavy or you're unsure, have the envelope weighed and proper postage affixed. Too little postage can slow down and even prevent your items from getting delivered on time.
It's easy to get overwhelmed and forget what you need to do before mailing your return. You can prevent problems and keep things from getting out of hand when you have the basics covered, such as correct addresses and the postage needed for delivery.
The day your letter is postmarked tells the IRS when you mailed it. If you're concerned about missing the date, try to get your letter sent as soon as possible, keeping you covered on your end.
Feel Confident With Certified Mail Managing Your Tax Return
It seems easy enough to miss the postmark date for turning in your federal tax return. If you still have plans to mail and want to feel assured you're covered on your end, one option is using certified mail.
This involves a slight cost and going to the post office with your letter. You'll get a receipt with a number you can track, allowing you to see and confirm that your letter was received.
If you're worried about the IRS coming back to you and saying they didn't get the return on time, this can help prevent problems related to late delivery. Certified mail requires the signature of an individual.
This might not be the person who is actually getting the mail, but it serves as proof that the mail was delivered. It should get directed to the person it was intended to.
By using certified mail, you can see each step your letter has taken, including if someone refused to sign for it and if it's coming back to you. Seeing when your letter gets delivered gives you peace of mind that the IRS has your mail and can start to process your return.
Learn More About the Benefits of Certified Mail
If you like to do things the old-fashioned way, including mailing your tax returns, it's important to make sure you have everything addressed and set up correctly. This means it can get to the IRS office in time and saves you worry if your items were received.
If you've never used certified mail, this offers you the chance to get your return where it's supposed to be by the due date, while saving money. Unlike private delivery, using certified mail means you'll get to mail your return at a low cost.
Tracking it every step of the way can give you certainty when mailing and alert you if any potential problems arise.
Using certified mail labels can help you feel confident that anything you mailed gets delivered on time and to the right office. If you think it's time to start taking advantage of this simple and low-cost option, we're here to help.
Let us show you how you can get your mail certified while skipping the trip to the post office. Check out our quick start guide to using our certified mailing labels, and look over our FAQ to answer any questions you have about the process.
