The article When Are Taxes Due? covered important tax filing deadlines for individuals over the next five years. In that article, I explained how to determine what day federal tax returns are due to the IRS. But it just occurred to me that I did not cover exactly what it means to “file your return” by a certain day. That’s what this article will cover.
When Should You Mail Tax Returns? IRS Due Dates Explained
As a tax professional, I often receive questions about when the IRS must receive a tax form in order for it to be considered timely filed. Everyone knows personal income tax returns are typically due on April 15th, but when are you supposed to mail Form 1040? Do you need to mail it so the IRS receives it by April 15th? Or do you have to just put in the mailbox on or before April 15th?
All you have to do is remember one simple rule, and you will know exactly when to mail any kind of tax return as long as you know the original due date.
When to Mail Form 1040 – IRS Filing Deadlines Decoded
What you need to remember is this - when the IRS says a return is due on a certain day, that means the return must be postmarked on or before that day.
The IRS does not have to have the return on the due date, but you should be able to prove that it was mailed on or before the due date. The most commonly used mailing method is the United States Postal Service. If you want piece of mind that the return was actually received by the IRS, I recommend purchasing delivery confirmation so you will have a tracking number to reference.
IRS Mailing Methods – Use Post Office, DHL, FedEx, UPS to Mail Federal Income Tax Returns
In addition to the U.S. Postal Service, the IRS allows taxpayers to use DHL, FedEx, and UPS for tax returns. You will find a list of exact mailing methods for each provider in the applicable year’s instructions for Form 1040.
No matter which service you use, always retain written proof of the mailing date. Each service provider should be able to tell you what counts as written proof.
What to Mail with a Tax Return Extension & Where to Send Form 1040
Tax season needn’t be stressful. Just remember to be truthful in all dealings with the IRS, and don’t be ashamed to request additional time to complete your tax return if necessary. Also keep in mind that an extension request does not alleviate your obligation to pay on time. So be prepared to send a check to the IRS along with your tax return extension if you estimate that you will owe taxes.
Here are some related articles you may find helpful this tax season:
Where to Mail Form 1040 – Learn how to look up the appropriate IRS mailing address based on your state of residence and filing status for the 1040 series of tax forms.
Online Tax Filing Extension – Can’t complete your tax return by the original deadline? Request additional time for completion by submitting a federal tax return extension online.
Form 4868, Individual Income Tax Return Extension – For those who would rather file a tax return extension by mail, here is an article about the paper IRS Form 4868.
Note: It is important to note that 2010 tax returns are due on April 18th, 2011. This is an unusual due date due to the observance of Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia on April 15th. Read more about this in When Are Taxes Due? linked in the first paragraph above.
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
Comments