Tax season is here and it’s time to get organized!  If you are mailing in your tax returns this year, consider using Certified Mail with Return Receipt.  With this service, you get a receipt showing when your mail was delivered or when delivery was attempted and also who signed for your return, making it perfect to use at tax time.  Remember, if your tax return is postmarked by April 15th, the IRS considers it filed on time. 

Tax Time Tips for USPS Mailers

– Make sure your return is signed, otherwise the IRS will return it and penalize you for filing late tax returns!
– Make sure to deposit your returns in a collection box whose pickup time has not passed.
– If your return feels heavier than one ounce, weigh it and apply proper postage.  The IRS will not accept a return with postage due!

How To Print Certified Mail With Stamps.com

Stamps.com makes it really easy to print postage for Certified Mail, the ideal choice for mailing in tax returns.  Here is how it works:

– Type in the destination address or have Stamps.com import it from any address book.
– Stamps.com prints all the necessary information on its built-in Certified Mail forms.
– Your mail carrier picks it up.
– Stamps.com stores all the information including Certified Mail number and certified delivery date in an easily accessible and searchable database. 

If you are a Stamps.com Premier member, you can use our automated Certified Mail forms.  With this feature, you can print postage, address information and all Certified Mail requirements (including a mailing receipt or Return Receipt) in one simple step.

If you are not a Premier member, you will need to fill out and attach USPS form 3800.

Use USPS Certified Mail To File Your Taxes

Mailing in your tax return this year?  Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt!  Why?  When you use Certified Mail with Return Receipt, you get a receipt showing when your tax return was delivered or when delivery was attempted.  You also receive an electronic or physical delivery record showing who signed for your tax return.  This feature is extremely helpful in the event of any dispute around mailing dates.  Remember, the IRS considers your return filed on time, if it is postmarked by April 15th!

Use Stamps.com To Print Certified Mail

Stamps.com makes it very easy to print Certified Mail postage online.  All Stamps.com customers can print postage for Certified Mail and fill out the standard USPS Certified Mail and Return Receipt forms.

Stamps.com Premier members can use our automated Certified Mail forms that allow you to print postage, address information and all Certified Mail requirements (including a mailing receipt or Return Receipt) in one simple step.

If you are not a Premier member, you will need to fill out and attach USPS form 3800.

Tax Time Tips

#1.  Sufficient Postage:  Make sure the envelope with your tax returns includes sufficient postage!  Any tax returns without enough postage will be returned.  Stamps.com customers need not worry since the software always calculates the exact amount of postage you need.

#2.  Write legibly:  To avoid any delays or confusion, make sure to clearly write the destination and return addresses on the envelope that includes your tax return.  If you are a Stamps.com customer you are covered, since the software will print the address information for you.

#3.  Post Offices with extended hours:  Certain Post Offices may be open late on April 15th to postmark your tax return.  Find a Post Office near you here.

Mailing in your tax return? Use Certified Mail with Return Receipt to obtain proof that your tax return was accepted by the USPS®, delivered, and signed for. When you use this service, the USPS offers a mailing receipt, provides delivery information, and maintains a copy of the recipient’s signature for two years. Additionally, you can request a Return Receipt (electronic or postcard) for a copy of the signature. In the event of any dispute regarding mailing dates, Certified Mail has you covered… and so does Stamps.com!

Automate the Certified Mail process
With Stamps.com, all our customers can print postage for Certified Mail and fill out the standard USPS Certified Mail and Return Receipt forms, or make Certified Mail even easier with our wide selection of automated forms.

With Stamps.com’s automated forms, only available to our Premier members, you’ll never have to handwrite another Certified Mail form or go to the Post Office again! When you use Stamps.com’s automated Certified Mail forms, you can print postage, address and all Certified Mail requirements (including a mailing receipt or Return Receipt) in one simple step. You can print on our easy-to-use #11 Certified Mail envelopes or our highly-flexible label forms, which can be used on regular envelopes, flats or packages.

Learn more about sending Certified Mail with Stamps.com