ATLANTA — More than two thousand emails have come into the 11Alive newsroom over the past month in connection with our Postal Problems investigation. Many of you have shared your delivery issues related to the new USPS facility in Palmetto, and with the April 15 tax deadline exactly one week away, a lot of concerns center on tax documents arriving on time.
11Alive took the most common questions to the Internal Revenue Service. Here's what we learned.
E-file if possible
"Taxpayers and tax professionals are urged to choose electronic filing whenever possible," an IRS spokesperson tells 11Alive. "However, for those who must submit a paper tax return, it's essential to verify the accurate mailing address either on IRS.gov or in the instructions provided with Form 1040 to prevent processing delays."
What to know if you must submit a paper tax return
The postmark date matters.
“The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is addressed correctly, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date," the spokesperson reiterated.
USPS' website also indicates you can buy a Certificate of Mailing at the Post Office.
"If your return is delayed or lost, a Certificate of Mailing is a proof of mailing receipt that proves you mailed your tax return on a certain date. (After you send your taxes, keep your receipt in a safe place. The Postal Service does not keep copies of receipts)," the website states.
While a blue collection box is an option for mailing your tax return, CPA Stephanie Loose advises taking an extra step: skip the blue box and go straight to the counter of your local branch to make sure the documents are postmarked on time.
"Go to the post office," Loose advises 11Alive. "Watch them put the stamp on it yourself."
What if I mailed my tax return and it's still processing through the Palmetto facility?
“The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is addressed correctly, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date," a representative for the IRS tells 11Alive. "If that’s the case, as long as it’s postmarked by the due date, the IRS will process the tax return or payment as timely. The IRS asks that taxpayers not file a duplicate return."
Filing the same tax return again typically won't speed up your refund and could cause delays, according to the agency's website. Read about some exceptions and how to track your return here.
Still missing your tax documents?
According to IRS.gov, taxpayers should double-check to make sure they have all their documents before filing a tax return.
Taxpayers who haven't received a W-2 or Form 1099 should contact the employer, payer or issuing agency and request the missing documents. This also applies for those who received an incorrect W-2 or Form 1099.
If they can't get the forms, they must still file their tax return on time. Learn more about options here.