Can You Send Your Taxes with UPS or FedEx? Here’s What the IRS Says

Millions of people use the U.S. Postal Service to mail their tax returns — but what if you’d rather use FedEx, UPS, or DHL?

The IRS accepts certain private delivery services if you’re filing late and want to ensure your unfiled taxes are delivered securely and on time. Only specific carriers qualify under the “timely mailing as timely filing” rule, which can help you avoid extra penalties and prove you filed on time. In this article, we’ll show you which services are approved, when you can use them, and how to make sure your return is considered filed on time.

When using these services, keep these points in mind:

• Requesting a written proof of the mailing date is a good idea and you should keep this documentation with your copies of your tax return for your records.
• Since private delivery services can't deliver to P.O boxes, you’ll have to use the U.S Postal Service. This is applicable if you plan to mail your payment to an IRS P.O box. The IRS website shows the physical address for Submission Processing Centers for IRS Private Delivery Services packages.

Full List of IRS-Approved Private Delivery Services Make sure you review the following private delivery services and determine which of these companies and options are included in the approved list of the IRS.

DHL Express DHL Express 9:00 DHL Express 10:30 DHL Express 12:00 DHL Express Worldwide DHL Express Envelope DHL Import Express 10:30 DHL Import Express 12:00 DHL Import Express Worldwide FedEx FedEx First Overnight FedEx Priority Overnight FedEx Standard Overnight FedEx Two-day FedEx International Next Flight Out FedEx International Priority UPS UPS Next Day Air Early AM UPS Next Day Air UPS Next Day Air Saver UPS 2nd Day Air UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. UPS Worldwide Express Plus UPS Worldwide Express

Is E-Filing a Better Option Than Mailing Your Return? You may also consider electronic filing if you want to make sure that the IRS receives your personal or business tax return. There is a record of transmission once your return is transmitted to the IRS immediately. You have the option to use one of the e-filing options from the IRS or you can have your tax preparer take care of this for you, especially if your return includes investment income like qualified dividends.

If the authorized electronic return transmitter postmarks the transmission by the due date, your return is considered filed on time if you use IRS e-file. When the authorized electronic return transmitter received the transmission of your electronically filed return on its host system, an electronic postmark is recorded. Whether your electronically filed return is timely depends on the date and time in your time zone.

Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s How to File an Extension The extension application can be e-filed or mailed into the IRS. Form 7004 for corporations and partnerships and Form 4868 for other business types and personal tax returns are the two application forms you can use.

Keep Income Tax Due Dates In Mind

Tax returns are generally accepted by the IRS starting in late January each year.

Key IRS Tax Filing Deadlines to Remember

• Personal tax returns are generally due April 15.
• The due date for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs filing Schedule C along with their personal tax returns is generally April 15.
• For partnerships, S corporations, and multiple-member LLCs, Form 1065 is generally due March 15. Your personal tax return must be submitted together with the Schedule K-1.
• Corporate tax returns are generally due April 15 for corporations with a December 31 year end.
• Corporations must file Form 1120 and S Corporations must file Form 1120-S. The return is due on the 15th day of the fourth month after your year-end date if your corporation doesn't have a December 31 year end

What Mailing Date Does the IRS Use to Consider a Return On Time? It’s important that you’re sure whether the IRS accepts that your return was send by the due date if you mailed your tax returns. The date of the postmark is the date your return was “mailed” according to the IRS. However, there are some additional criteria to consider:

• Properly addressed envelope.
• The mailing must have enough postage.
• The date of registration is the postmark date if the return is sent by registered mail.
• The date of the receipt is the postmark date if you chose to send a return by certified mail and have your receipt postmarked.

Not sure which service to use, or just want to avoid mailing mistakes altogether? A qualified tax professional can handle filing for you and help with other tax matters as well.

Written by Tax Professionals