Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
IRS data show 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. Despite recent IRS processing improvements that expanded e-filing availability, 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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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 apply:
- There isn’t enough postage
- It’s 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.
How to mail your tax return
Where to mail your 2024 federal tax return depends on where you live, what forms you filed, and whether or not you are including a payment. Most taxpayers can check the ‘Where to file’ page on the IRS website to find the correct mailing address that applies to 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 or 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 is the safest and fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS requires security measures for e-filed returns. This helps protect your sensitive personal information and decreases fraud and identity theft risk.
However, when you mail your return, your data won’t be encrypted. And given 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.
Requesting a tax refund via paper check also comes with risk. There is a possibility that your check could be stolen or lost in the mail, which could further delay receiving your refund.
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 already 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.
Related Content
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
If You're Not Doing Roth Conversions, You Need to Read ThisRoth conversions and other Roth strategies can be complex, but don't dismiss these tax planning tools outright. They could really work for you and your heirs.
-
Could Traditional Retirement Expectations Be Killing Us?A retirement psychologist makes the case: A fulfilling retirement begins with a blueprint for living, rather than simply the accumulation of a large nest egg.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Are You Middle-Class? Here's the Most Tax-Friendly State for Your FamilyTax Tips We found the state with no income tax, low property tax bills and exemptions on groceries and medicine.
-
Social Security Benefits Quiz : Do You Know the IRS Tax Rules?Quiz Social Security benefits often come with confusing IRS tax rules that can trip up financially savvy retirees and near-retirees.
-
How Are I Bonds Taxed? 8 Common Situations to KnowBonds Series I U.S. savings bonds are a popular investment, but the federal income tax consequences are anything but straightforward.
-
Capital Gains Tax Quiz: How Well Do You Really Know IRS Investment Tax Rules?Quiz Take our capital gains tax quiz to test your investment taxes knowledge. Learn about loss rules, holding periods, and tax incentives that could impact your savings.
-
6 Tax Reasons to Convert Your IRA to a Roth (and When You Shouldn't)Retirement Taxes Here’s how converting your traditional retirement account to a Roth IRA can boost your nest egg — but avoid these costly scenarios.
-
Could Tax Savings Make a 50-Year Mortgage Worth It?Buying a Home The 50-year mortgage proposal by Trump aims to address the housing affordability crisis with lower monthly mortgage payments. But what does that mean for your taxes?
