Mailing Your Tax Return This Year? What to Know Before You Do

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IRS data show that only approximately 6% of taxpayers mail their tax returns, and for good reason. Filing electronically is easier, safer, and faster, but it isn’t an option for everyone. Some taxpayers still need to file by mail.

Here’s how to tell if you should file a paper tax return this year and what you should know before you do.

Deadline to mail your tax return

E-filing gives you a little more time to prepare your return. That’s because the IRS will consider your tax return late if it isn’t postmarked by the April 15 tax deadline.

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So, simply dropping it in the mailbox on Tax Day — or even the weekend before — doesn’t guarantee you won’t receive a failure-to-file penalty. Even if your return is postmarked before Tax Day, the IRS can consider it late if either of the following applies:

There isn’t enough postage
The envelope is addressed incorrectly

The e-filing deadline, on the other hand, isn’t until 11:59 PM on April 15. So, while it’s not typically a good idea to wait until Tax Day, last-minute tax filing is much easier when done electronically.

Also, beware of new USPS Postmark rules that could mean your seemingly on-time mailed return could be considered late by the IRS.

See our report: How New USPS Postmark Rules Could Impact Your Timely Mailed Tax Return.

How to mail your tax return

Where to mail your 2025 federal tax return depends on where you live, what forms you filed, and whether or not you are including a payment.

Many taxpayers can check the ‘Where to file’ page on the IRS website to find the correct mailing address for their situation.

(Note: The IRS mailing address is different if you live in a foreign country, use an APO or FPO address, or file Form 2555 to claim the foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign housing exclusion, or deduction.)

The United States Postal Service (USPS) suggests purchasing a Certificate of Mailing to prove you mailed your paper tax return by the due date. Additionally, a service offering a tracking number can give you peace of mind that the IRS has received your return.

Is it safe to mail your tax return?

E-filing and choosing direct deposit are the safest and fastest ways to receive your refund. The IRS requires security measures for e-filed returns. This helps protect your sensitive personal information and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.

However, when you mail your return, your data won’t be encrypted. And given that some areas of the US have experienced an increase in mail theft with traditional blue drop USPS mailboxes, it’s best to drop your return in person at the post office.

Worth noting: The IRS is also phasing out paper checks, so providing accurate direct deposit information is the fastest way to get your refund, if you're due one.

Who needs to mail their tax return?

You might need to file by mail if your return is continuously rejected. This can happen if you are trying to claim a dependent who has already been claimed or if your information doesn’t match IRS records.

However, e-file rejections are often due to typos or missing information. In these cases, taxpayers can make corrections and attempt to e-file again.

Additionally, the IRS has rules that prevent some taxpayers from filing all their tax forms electronically. For example, you cannot e-file if you or anyone listed on your tax return doesn’t have a Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

Nonresidents who want to file a tax return should mail Form W-7 and proof-of-identity documents with their completed return.

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Katelyn has more than 7 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.

With contributions from

Gabriella Cruz-Martínez