Important Update About Tax Payments and Mailing Tax Returns
It has long been IRS policy, as codified in the Internal Revenue Code, that a document is considered timely filed if the postmark date is on or before the applicable deadline. However, recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) changes could mean that a USPS official postmark may not reflect the date the item is placed in a mailbox or even dropped off at the Post Office. Instead, the postmark date could be the date the item is later processed at a sorting facility. This means there is a real possibility that mail actually sent on or before a due date could receive a postmark from a later date and might be considered late by the IRS.
To Ensure a Timely Postmark
Consider one of these options, all of which require a visit to a USPS retail counter:
- Take your mail to the USPS retail counter and ask for a manual local postmark. This will be applied with the date that corresponds to when USPS actually took possession.
- Use what is known as Postage Validation Imprint (PVI). When you pay for postage at a USPS retail counter, a PVI label is applied by the USPS employee that indicates the date of acceptance.
- Use Registered or Certified Mail. This is a little more expensive, but you will be given a receipt you can use as evidence of the date of mailing.
New IRS Tax Refunds and Payments Policy
Per a recent Presidential Executive Order, the IRS is now required to send most tax refunds to you electronically rather than via paper check. Similarly, the IRS soon will require you to make your tax payments electronically as well. For this reason, as well as to avoid lost or delayed tax payments that seem to occur with increased frequency, we highly recommend you set up online accounts that you can use to make payments and to view balances, notices, and payment history.
To Set Up An IRS Online Account
- Go to www.irs.gov and choose "Sign in to your Online Account"
- Create an account using ID.me (you will need a photo ID and a smartphone or webcam)
- Once logged in, you can:
• Make payments directly from your bank account
• View your balance and payment history
• See recent tax returns and notices
• Set up payment plans, if needed
You can also make payments without an IRS account using the IRS Direct Pay tool, likewise located at www.irs.gov, however, you will not get the other benefits available with an IRS online account. =
To Set Up An Arkansas Online Account
- Go to https://atap.arkansas.gov and choose "Sign Up"
- Create your ATAP account
- Through ATAP you can:
• Make payments to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
• View your balance and payment history
• Access notices and correspondence
• Send messages to DFA
• Manage payments and returns
Of course, if you have questions about any of these issues, EGP is happy to assist!
