Oregon Taxpayers Advised to Mail Returns by April 9 Due to USPS Processing Changes

The Oregon Department of Revenue has issued guidance for the 2024 tax season, advising paper filers to mail their state or federal tax returns no later than April 9. U.S. Postal Service processing that could prevent items mailed near April 15 from receiving a postmark on the same day.

Tax returns are considered timely if postmarked by April 15, the standard federal and state filing deadline. Changes in USPS mail processing have led to this earlier mailing suggestion. According to the department, returns mailed after April 9 may not be postmarked in time, resulting in late-filing status even if dropped off before the deadline.

Missing the April 15 postmark can incur penalties and interest, especially for taxpayers who owe taxes.

This guidance applies to the approximately 6 percent of Oregon taxpayers who file by paper, as 94 percent file electronically, per Oregon Live reporting.

Electronic filers and those paying online are not impacted and can submit returns up to April 15 without mail-related risks. State tax officials note that e-filers requesting direct deposit refunds typically receive them within two weeks. Paper filers unable to mail by April 9 have alternatives to ensure timely filing.

They can visit a USPS counter in person by April 15 to obtain a manual, hand-canceled postmark. The department also encourages switching to online filing options, such as the free Direct File Oregon service through Revenue Online or other tax preparation software.

The April 9 recommendation is a practical measure, not a change to the official April 15 deadline, in response to ongoing USPS mail backlogs.

Taxpayers affected include those in Oregon filing paper returns for state or federal taxes, potentially facing financial penalties if postmarks are delayed. For further assistance, the Oregon Department of Revenue provides resources on its website, and the IRS maintains federal guidelines on timely filing.

As the tax season progresses, officials anticipate increased inquiries about mailing procedures.

Taxpayers are advised to check USPS service alerts for local processing updates. This adjustment highlights broader challenges in mail delivery that could influence compliance for paper-based submissions nationwide.