It’s Time! 
With the April 15 tax filing deadline just a week away, the Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to take extra precautions, particularly those submitting returns by mail.
Watch the postmark date
The IRS considers a return filed on time if it is postmarked on or before the deadline. However, recent operational changes at the United States Postal Service have led to delays in postmarking, increasing the risk that mailed returns could be considered late even if sent on time.
Tax experts warn that the date a return is dropped in the mailbox may not match the official postmark date, especially around weekends and holidays.
Penalties for late filing
The IRS emphasized that even a one-day delay can trigger penalties.
- Late filing penalty: 5% per month (up to 25%)
- Late payment penalty: 0.5% per month (up to 25%)
- Interest accrues on unpaid balances
Despite the growth of digital filing, about 10.9 million out of 165.8 million returns filed last year were still submitted on paper.
Experts recommend that taxpayers who mail returns:
- Use
- a post office counter instead of a mailbox
- Request a hand-canceled postmark
- Consider certified mail to document the mailing date
Free filing still available
While the IRS has ended its pilot “Direct File” program, taxpayers can still file for free through the Free File program, a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies.
For 2025 returns, individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less qualify for free federal filing. Some providers also offer free state filing. Participating companies include TaxAct and TaxSlayer, while TurboTax and H&R Block are not part of the program.
Business Tax Account expanded
The IRS also announced a major expansion of its Business Tax Account platform. The service is now available to partnerships, nonprofits, and government entities, in addition to sole proprietors and corporations.
The platform allows users to:
- View balances and make payments
- Access tax records and transcripts
- Download notices
- Verify compliance status
Refunds higher this year
Average tax refunds are also trending higher. As of mid-March, the average refund stood at $3,521, up about 11% from the same period last year.
