Tax Day isn’t the major mailing event that it used to be, but it still allows USPS employees to deliver excellent experiences to customers.
The Postal Service canceled an estimated 62 million pieces of First-Class Mail on April 15, down from the 87 million pieces that were canceled on that date in 2009. The organization doesn’t break down First-Class Mail by type, so the exact number of tax returns mailed isn’t available.
Although most people now file their returns online, some Post Offices continue to offer extended hours every year on April 15 to assist last-minute filers who use the mail.
“If we receive your tax mail by midnight, you can rest assured that your mail will receive the April 15 postmark,” said Larry Wagener, senior plant manager for Dallas District, where the Dallas Main Post Office stayed open until midnight to serve last-minute filers.
To serve all filers, the Postal Service offers tips and guidelines online, and this year, the organization highlighted Informed Delivery, a mail notification service that allows customers to keep an eye out for refunds, forms and other documents.
But for those who like to mail their returns, USPS remains a lifeline.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Alisa Spann, a city carrier assistant who operated a drive-through station in downtown Chicago that stayed open late April 15. “It saves time for the customer and they really like the convenience.”