Oregonians who plan to mail their state or federal tax returns are being urged to do it earlier than usual this tax season, with the Oregon Department of Revenue warning that April 9—not April 15—is the critical mailing deadline for paper filers to avoid penalties.
Why April 9 Matters This Year
According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, changes in how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) processes mail mean items posted close to April 15 may not be postmarked the same day. Since tax returns are considered on time only if they’re postmarked by the filing deadline (April 15), delays could result in returns being marked late—even if they were mailed before April 15.
The department is therefore recommending that paper filers mail their tax returns no later than April 9 to make sure there is enough time for the USPS to process it. In general, missing the April 15 deadline could trigger late‑filing penalties or interest, particularly for taxpayers who owe money.
Who Is Affected—and Who Is Not
The early‑mailing recommendation affects taxpayers who file by paper, a shrinking but still significant group. According to Oregon Live, the vast majority of Oregonians—94 percent—file their tax returns electronically, which removes this postmark concern entirely.
Taxpayers who e‑file or pay online remain unaffected by the April 9 guidance and can safely submit returns up to April 15 without risk related to mail delays.
Electronic filers also tend to receive refunds faster, according to state tax officials, which stated that “on average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two week.”
Options for Those Who Miss the April 9 Window
For taxpayers who cannot mail their returns by April 9, there are still safeguards.
The Oregon Department of Revenue advises paper filers that they can visit a USPS counter in person by April 15 and request a manual, hand‑canceled postmark, which confirms the return was filed on time.
It is also urging taxpayers to consider filing their returns online, advising them to “consider using Direct File Oregon, a free filing option available through Revenue Online, or other online tax preparation software, to e-file and receive their refund sooner.”
A Growing Concern Amid Postal Delays
Oregon officials say the April 9 recommendation is not a formal deadline change, but rather a practical adjustment to avoid unintended late filings caused by mail backlogs.
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