USPS POSTMARK CHANGE
By Susan Skrzycki, AVP/Operations
The United States Postal Service (USPS) implemented a new postmarking rule on December 24, 2025, changing when a postmark is applied. Mail is now postmarked at the first regional processing center it reaches, which may occur several days after drop‑off.
Many deadlines rely on the postmark to determine timeliness, such as tax filings, IRA contributions, and other time‑sensitive items. If not managed properly, this change may affect whether an item is accepted.
To increase the likelihood of accurate mailing date documentation:
- Request a Manual Postmark: Bring your item to a Post Office retail counter and ask a clerk to apply a hand‑stamped postmark on or before the deadline.
- Mail Early: Allow several days for processing before important deadlines.
- Use Certified or Registered Mail: These services provide a dated receipt; however, the postmark will follow the new processing rule unless manually stamped. Provide the receipt as proof.
Taking these steps can help protect you when mailing items with firm deadlines.
