Health
New USPS Postmark Rules May Delay Mail
Health Points
- The USPS now postmarks mail based on processing date, not when received.
- Delays in processing could impact on-time delivery for tax documents and mail-in ballots.
- Customers can request a manual postmark at retail locations to ensure important deadlines are met.
The U.S. Postal Service has updated its postmark procedure, now marking mail based on the date it is processed rather than when it is received. This change may affect the timely handling of critical documents, such as tax forms and election ballots, if mail sits unprocessed before a postmark is applied.
Some worry these new rules could lead to missed deadlines, especially for those who mail important items close to the cutoff dates. Mail that is not processed immediately could risk being late, potentially resulting in penalties or invalidated ballots.
The USPS maintains that its postmarking process remains consistent and is only meant to improve public understanding. “We are not changing our postmarking practices, we have made adjustments to our transportation operations that will result in some mailpieces not arriving at our originating processing facilities on the same day that they are mailed,” the agency clarified.
To make sure your mail is postmarked on time, request a manual postmark at your local USPS branch or consider using registered or certified mail. Stay up to date on postal changes to avoid missed deadlines and keep your important mail on track.
