Do taxes have to be mailed or received by deadline

In the United States, the IRS does not require taxpayers to mail their tax returns by a specific deadline. Instead, the IRS uses a "postmark" rule, which means that as long as the tax return is postmarked by the deadline, it is considered timely filed.

For federal income tax returns, the deadline is typically April 15th of each year. If you file your tax return by mail, you can use a postmark date of April 15th or earlier to meet the deadline. However, if you file electronically, you must submit your return by midnight on April 15th.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Postmark rule: If you file by mail, the postmark date is what matters, not the date the IRS receives the return.
2. Electronic filing: If you file electronically, you must submit your return by midnight on the deadline date.
3. Extension: If you need more time to file, you can request an automatic six-month extension by filing Form 4868 by the original deadline. This will give you until October 15th to file your tax return.
4. Late filing: If you miss the deadline, you may be subject to penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes.

It's important to note that while the IRS does not require a specific deadline for mailing tax returns, it's still important to file your taxes on time to avoid any potential penalties and interest. If you're unsure about the deadline or have questions about filing your taxes, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or the IRS directly.