How strictly does the IRS enforce the postmark due date?

Question

Do they really check the postmark on every tax return they get, and ding you if it's late? I filed mine on time, I'm just curious.

Answer 1

Mail addressed to the IRS is separated from all other mail at the origination post office. Any IRS mail postmarked after the deadline has already been separated before the IRS receive it. The IRS doesn't have to check. The can tell by which bundle of mail it arrives in.

Answer 2

Every mailed return is date stamped before the envelope is opened, so each return is reviewed for the April 17th post mark and and if any date after the 17th is given to a unit that deals with the late filed returns, they cross reference the return to see if an extention is on file for that return.

Answer 3

Due to the volume they receive, one day late is no biggie. However, if you are weeks late and you didn;t file an extension, uncle sam is gonna come and stick a two by four up your...........