IRS data show only approximately 6% of taxpayers mail their tax returns, and for good reason. filing electronically is easier, safer and faster, but it isn’t an option for everyone. Despite recent IRS processing improvements that expanded e-filing availability, some taxpayers still need to file by mail.
Here’s how to tell if you should file a paper tax return this year and what you should know before you do.
Deadline to mail your tax return
E-filing gives you a little more time to prepare your return. That’s because the IRS will consider your tax return late if it isn’t postmarked by the April 15 tax deadline.
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So, simply dropping it in the mailbox on Tax Day — or even the weekend before — doesn’t guarantee you won’t receive a failure-to-file penalty. Even if your return is postmarked before Tax Day, the IRS can consider it late if either of the following apply:
- There isn’t enough postage
- It’s addressed incorrectly
The e-filing deadline, on the other hand, isn’t until 11:59 PM on April 15. So, while it’s not typically a good idea to wait until Tax Day, last-minute tax filing is much easier when done electronically.
How to mail your tax return
Where to mail your 2023 federal tax return depends on where you live, what forms you filed, and whether or not you are including a payment. Most taxpayers can check the ‘Where to file’ page on the IRS website to find the correct mailing address that applies to their situation.
(Note: The IRS mailing address is different if you live in a foreign country, use an APO or FPO address or file Form 2555 to claim the foreign earned income exclusion or the foreign housing exclusion or deduction.)
The United States Postal Service (USPS) suggests purchasing a Certificate of Mailing to prove you mailed your paper tax return by the due date. Additionally, a service offering a tracking number can give you peace of mind that the IRS has received your return.
Is it safe to mail your tax return?
E-filing and choosing direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS requires security measures for e-filed returns. This helps protect your sensitive personal information and decreases fraud and identity theft risk.
However, when you mail your return, your data won’t be encrypted. And given some areas of the US have experienced an increase in mail theft with traditional blue drop USPS mailboxes, it’s best to drop your return in person at the post office.
Requesting a tax refund via paper check also comes with risk. There is a possibility that your check could be stolen or lost in the mail, which could further delay receiving your refund.
Who needs to mail their tax return?
You might need to file by mail if your return is continuously rejected. This can happen if you are trying to claim a dependent already claimed or if your information doesn’t match IRS records. However, e-file rejections are often due to typos or missing information. In these cases, taxpayers can make corrections and attempt to e-file again.
Additionally, the IRS has rules that prevent some taxpayers from filing all their tax forms electronically. For example, you cannot e-file if you or anyone listed on your tax return doesn’t have a Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Nonresidents who want to file a tax return should mail Form W-7 and proof-of-identity documents with their completed return.
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FAQs
The USPS offers many different mail services, but Certified Mail is the best option for sending any tax-related documents.
What should I include when mailing my tax return? ›
Make sure you:
- Sign your tax return. If you're filing a joint return both people must sign the return.
- Make sure your name, address, and social security number(s) are correct.
- Check your math.
- Attach a copy of your federal return (if not using form 540 2EZ)
- Attach a copy of your W-2.
- File your original return, not a copy.
The USPS offers many different mail services, but Certified Mail is the best option for sending any tax-related documents.
Should I staple my W2 to my tax return? ›
Be sure to write your name and Social Security number on the top of each tax form, just in case they are separated. And, staple a copy of any W-2 Forms you received to the front of the return.
What IRS question must be answered? ›
Everyone must answer the question
Everyone who files Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1041, 1065, 1120 and 1120-S must check one box answering either "Yes" or "No" to the digital asset question. The question must be answered by all taxpayers, not just by those who engaged in a transaction involving digital assets in 2023.
Should I staple my tax return before mailing? ›
Staple all your tax pages (forms and schedules) together in the upper left corner. If you are filing on paper by mail, staple the 1099-R to your Federal income tax return ONLY if there is an entry in Box 4 for Federal income tax withheld. Staple it to the front on your return.
Do I attach a 1099 to a tax return? ›
You typically don't have to submit your 1099-K and 1099-NEC to the IRS along with your tax return. A notable exception is if the 1099s show federal or state withholding. If you've had any tax already withheld from your income, then you'll need to submit your 1099s along with your tax return.
Should I send an IRS check by certified mail? ›
If you must file a paper tax return, consider sending it by certified mail, with a return receipt. This will be your proof of the date you mailed your tax return and when the IRS received it. You may also use certain private delivery services designated by the IRS.
Can I fold my tax return to mail it? ›
Yes, you can fold your return to put it in an envelope. When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2's or any 1099's. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS received the return.
What envelope should I mail my taxes in? ›
n Use the coded envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did not receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" inside the back cover of the your tax instruction booklet.
Use a paper clip to attach your W-2 and any other form showing withholding to the front of your 1040.
Do I need to send worksheets with my tax return? ›
My tax software says 21 pages for an official return, but 81 pages if all the worksheets are included, or 113 if including worksheets and itemized lists. You may want worksheets for your records; the IRS doesn't.
Are handwritten tax returns acceptable? ›
Yes, but - handwritten forms have to be manually input to the IRS systems and that makes them more prone to mistakes, either because your handwriting is mis-interpreted, or because there is a keying mistake.
What can the IRS not touch? ›
A portion of your wages are protected from levy. The protected amount is the equivalent to the standard deduction, plus any deductions for personal exemptions. The IRS can't seize certain personal items, such as necessary schoolbooks, clothing, undelivered mail and certain amounts of furniture and household items.
What is asked during IRS audit? ›
When conducting your audit, we will ask you to present certain documents that support the income, credits or deductions you claimed on your return. You would have used all of these documents to prepare your return. Therefore, the request should not require you to create something new.
How do you win an IRS audit? ›
How to address an IRS audit
- Understand the scope of the tax audit. ...
- Prepare your responses to IRS questions. ...
- Respond to IRS requests for information/documents on time, and advocate your tax return positions. ...
- If you disagree with the results, appeal to the appropriate venue.
For example, you might write "Internal Revenue Service." On the next line, write the specific address for the IRS center. This could include a P.O. Box, street address, or other details. Below the IRS center name and address, write the city, state, and ZIP code associated with the IRS center.
What should I include in my tax return? ›
Things to remember when filing 2023 tax returns
- Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return.
- Bank account and routing numbers.
- Various tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and other income documents or records of digital asset transactions.
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement.
Make sure your check or money order includes the following information:
- Your name and address.
- Daytime phone number.
- Social Security number (the SSN shown first if it's a joint return) or employer identification number.
- Tax year.
- Related tax form or notice number.
Your letter should include personal identification details, tax return information and any supporting documents or evidence.
