Changes to Postmarks May Affect Tax Payments, Ballots, and Other Time-Sensitive Mail
Residents who mail tax payments, absentee-ballot materials, or any other documents that rely on a timely postmark should be aware of a significant change recently implemented by the United States Postal Service.
What changed
Historically, a postmark showed the date your local post office received your letter. That mattered because many state and federal deadlines — including tax filings, appeals, and official notices — treat the postmark as proof that something was submitted on time.
With the USPS’s new system, that is no longer the case.
Since August 2025, letters have not been postmarked at local post offices. Instead, an envelope receives its postmark only when it reaches a regional processing center. For our area, that facility is located in Milwaukee.
Why this matters
Because the postmark no longer reflects the date you dropped off your mail, your envelope may be dated one or two days later — or even more during weekends and holidays.
Local impact in Racine
Mail accepted at Racine post offices will still be transported to Milwaukee for processing. That means:
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Your postmark may not match the day you mailed your item — even if you stood at the counter and handed it directly to a clerk.
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The timing of the pickup, transport, and sorting schedule can all affect the final postmark date.
What residents should do
If your mailing requires a specific postmark date, please plan accordingly:
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Send items early. Do not rely on same-day or even next-day postmarks.
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Use in-person delivery whenever possible for tax payments or election materials.
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Consider alternatives such as online payment, certified mail, or hand-delivery when deadlines are strict.
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Be cautious about weekend and holiday mailing, when delays are most pronounced.
Please remember: tax payments that arrive after the due date and carry a late postmark must be recorded as delinquent under state law.
