Springfield, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – Illinois taxpayers who plan to mail their state tax returns this year may want to send them earlier than usual, following changes to how the U.S. Postal Service handles postmarks.

The Illinois Department of Revenue issued a reminder this week that updated USPS procedures may affect time-sensitive mailings, including tax returns and payments. Under the new policy, postmarks will continue to reflect the date of first automated processing but may no longer indicate when a piece of mail was dropped off at a local post office — a distinction that could cause problems for taxpayers mailing returns close to the April 15 deadline.

IDOR Director David Harris encouraged taxpayers to plan ahead.

“If you’re mailing your return close to the deadline, consider requesting a manual postmark or allowing extra time for delivery,” Harris said.

Taxpayers can request a manual postmark at any USPS retail location at no cost. That postmark reflects the date the postal service takes physical possession of the mail. Taxpayers may also deliver returns or payments in person at an IDOR office, where documents will be date-stamped upon receipt.

Harris emphasized that electronic filing remains the most reliable option for meeting the deadline.

“Filing electronically is still the easiest way to make sure your return or payment is submitted on time,” he said. Taxpayers can visit tax.illinois.gov to explore free filing and payment options, including MyTax Illinois.

The April 15 filing deadline applies to most Illinois individual income tax returns. For more information on the postal service changes, taxpayers can review USPS guidance published in the Federal Register.