New Postal rule regarding date mailed, date stamped

[Uncle Sam]

I received this from my CPA organization regarding new effective policy on postal date stamp on envelope when mailing things that are time sensitive -like tax returns, legal papers etc.



SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is adding section 608.11, "Postmarks and Postal Possession," to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). This new section defines postmarks, identifies the types of Postal Service markings that qualify as postmarks, and describes the circumstances under which those markings are applied. It also advises customers of how to obtain evidence of the date on which the Postal Service accepts possession of their mailings. This new language in the DMM does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices, but is instead intended to improve public understanding of postmarks and their relationship to the date of mailing.

DATES: Effective December 24, 2025.
https://www.federalregister.gov/docu...tal-possession

[Rapid Robert]

Slightly off topic comment follows, then back on topic.

As long as we're copy-pasting from the link source (as in the OP):

While voters who use mail-in ballots may also elect to purchase a Certificate of Mailing, which will provide the individual mailer with a receipt indicating the date on which the mailpiece was tendered to the Postal Service for mailing, the Postal Service's guidance to voters who choose to vote by mail does not include recommending the purchase of a Certificate of Mailing.

Does the U.S. government accept a uniform postmark standard, or does each agency and circuit/circus court set its own standard? And what about the individual states? Haven't they made movies about this kind of bureaucracy before? :-)

But back on topic, what is the implication of this Postal Service 39 CFR Part 111 rule for income tax filing purposes?

[Anarchrist]

what is the implication of this

If you drop something off at your local post office or in a usps blue collection box, the likelihood it will be postmarked that day is close to zero.