The United States Postal Service has implemented changes to its mail delivery and processing procedures that could affect the postmark date used for time-sensitive documents.
Under the updated process, the postmark will now reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated sorting machine, rather than the date it is dropped off at a post office or mailbox. Officials said this processing step may occur days after mailing, depending on mail volume and routing.
The change could have implications for documents that rely on a postmark to meet deadlines, including tax returns, benefit applications, and other filings, potentially resulting in late fees or penalties if processing is delayed.
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Residents are encouraged to plan and consider using services that provide dated receipts or tracking when mailing deadline-sensitive materials. Additional details about the change are available through an official notice from the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits.
