How changes to USPS postmarks could impact your tax returns, bills and more

A new U.S. Postal Service rule will affect the postmark dates on your mail

USPS changed what a postmark means. That is a problem. 

What to know about USPS postmark changes and the impact on bills, taxes and election ballots

USPS clarifies postmark rules that could affect mail deadlines

ABC World News Tonight on Instagram: "The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out changes for postmarks in the new year — clarifying the new rules saying postmarks will be added when an envelope is processed rather than the day that it gets submitted. @whitjohnsontv reports."

The U.S. Postal Service is implementing a significant change to its postmark process, which could affect how you send important mail, such as bills and ballots. Traditionally, the postmark indicated when mail was accepted by the post office, serving as proof for meeting deadlines, like those on election day. Moving forward, the postmark will show the date an envelope is first processed by an automated sorting machine, not the drop-off date. To ensure timely delivery, it's recommended to mail tim

🚨 THE POST OFFICE JUST BECAME A WEAPIZED SYSTEM. They didn’t change the stamps. They changed the stakes. A new USPS rule that took effect December 24, 2025, alters how postmarks are verified for legal deadlines. Tax returns. Court filings. Immigration appeals. This isn’t “administrative.” This is architectural. They’ve introduced ambiguity into the system that proves you met a deadline. Why? Ambiguity is a space the state can occupy. It means a letter you mailed on time can be logged “late.” Yo