USPS Postmark Rule Change Poses Risks for Homeowners' Tax Returns
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has implemented a new postmark rule that could significantly impact homeowners and buyers during the tax filing season. The rule, which took effect in December, changes how postmarks are applied to mailed items. Instead of reflecting the date when mail is dropped in a mailbox or handed to a carrier, the postmark now indicates when the mail is first processed at a USPS facility. This change could lead to delays in the processing of tax returns, which are crucial for homeowners involved in mortgage applications or refinancing. According to Mark Gallegos, a partner at Porte Brown, the timing of the postmark is now less predictable, and the critical factor is when the return is received and processed by the IRS. This could result in significant delays for those needing up-to-date tax transcripts for financial transactions. 
