Why Postmarks Matter
Texas law considers mailed property tax payments timely if they are postmarked by the delinquency date. If your payment arrives after the deadline without an acceptable USPS postmark, it is considered late and penalties and interest are required by law.
What Is a USPS Postmark?
A USPS postmark is an official marking placed on mailed items that identifies the postal facility accepting the mail and the mailing date. It serves as evidence of when the U.S. Postal Service accepted custody of your payment for mailing.
Recent USPS Processing Changes
The U.S. Postal Service no longer applies postmarks when mail is first received. Instead, many postmarks are now added later at regional processing facilities. Because of this change, mail deposited close to a payment deadline may receive a postmark dated after the day it was mailed.
Mail That May Not Receive a USPS Postmark
Some types of mail may not receive an official USPS postmark. These include:
- Metered mail: Mail on which postage is printed directly on an envelope or label by a postage machine licensed by the USPS.
- Pre-canceled stamps: Stamps sold through a private vendor, such as stamps.com
- Forever stamps: First class stamps that remain valid for 1 ounce letter mailing regardless of postage changes.
- Automated Postal Center (APC) postage: Stamps, with or without a date, purchased from machines located within USPS.
- Permit imprint mail, including some online bill payment services: Pre-sorted mail used by bill pay services, such as online home banking.
If these payment types arrive after the deadline without an acceptable postmark, penalties and interest may apply.
How to Avoid Late Penalties
If you're mailing your payment close to the deadline, avoid placing it in a collection box. Instead, visit a USPS retail counter and request a postage-validated imprint or send your payment by Certified Mail. A Certified Mail receipt provides proof that your payment was mailed on time, even if the envelope's postmark is delayed or difficult to read. You may also purchase a Certificate of Mailing as additional evidence of the mailing date.
Other Ways to Pay
If you're concerned about mailing delays, Travis County offers additional payment methods, including online, in person, by phone, and by drop box. These options eliminate the uncertainty associated with USPS postmark processing.