When it's time to file our tax returns, we are all scrambling around to get our paperwork together so that we can have the taxes done on time. While many people are preparing to electronically file their taxes there are still some who haven't yet come to trust the new system. They still want to stick to the old and faithful and time-honored United States Postal Service to deliver their forms to the proper authorities. And some of them may be asking, 'where do I mail my tax return?'
Checking the Form
It's true that the mailing addresses are printed on the backs of all the printed tax forms just as they have always been. But things are constantly changing, and there is the possibility that many of the printed forms were printed many months or even years before they were distributed. Some of those offices are no longer in the same location. To make sure that you are mailing your tax returns to the right location, always check with the IRS website first, even if an address is printed on the form.
State or Federal
State tax returns are not sent to the same place as your federal returns. To find the mailing address for your state you need to first locate the form number that you need to file. Then go to the IRS.gov website and follow the links to the page that will give you the 'where to file' information. For example, if you're trying to get the address to mail your Form 3520, you will follow the link that leads to all forms that begin with the number 3. There you will find a list of all the forms that begin with that number. Find your form on the list and click the link and you'll be directed to the page that has the correct address to mail your tax forms to. You can do the same thing with forms that begin with other numbers as well.
Post Marked
It is important to understand that if you choose to mail your tax returns through the United States Postal Service, you will still need to ensure that it is on time. If your return is postmarked by April 15th, 2016 it will be considered on time. You also need to make sure that you put adequate postage on the envelope to ensure that it will reach its destination. For those who do not, you can expect to receive a return package in your box very soon and possibly a hefty late penalty from the IRS to add to it.
Some believe that because the USPS is also a government agency, they should know where to send the tax forms. Therefore, they don't need to ask the question 'where do I mail my tax return?' However, your taxes are important documents and it would be wise on your part to make sure that you check with the appropriate agency for the correct address to ensure that there are no problems with delivery. Yes, the taxman comes every year at the same time but the way you file them is gradually changing. This causes confusion for many people as they make these adjustments. It is therefore necessary for everyone to do adequate research so that no one will have to ask, 'where do I mail my tax return?'