news-record.com

Even with the number of procrastinating tax filers declining, the U.S. Postal Service gets a thumbs down for not staying open late tonight to accommodate the remaining stragglers.

Blame the economy. As in the private sector, the federal government is keeping closer tabs on overtime. But cutting back on service must be weighed against consumer complaints.

With no Triad postal facilities extending hours, as some did in the past, expect more than a few very unhappy customers.

For years, April 15 saw a steady stream of cars queuing up as the bewitching hour neared. Procrastinators were greeted by friendly postal workers gathering IRS-bound envelopes and dispatching them in the nick of time.

Today after 5 p.m., the only option for getting the coveted April 15 postmark is to use an Automated Postal Center kiosk, available at only seven area postal facilities.

Have your credit or debit card handy and hope the contraption doesn't malfunction. Assume that no employees will be around to fix it. If they were, couldn't they just carry the stamped envelopes inside?

The culprit, of course, is electronic online IRS filing, which is increasing at an estimated rate of 20 percent annually. Last year, 67 percent of North Carolinians chose that route.

But that still leaves harried, last-minute taxpayers nationwide using old-fashioned snail mail, and they deserve a reasonable level of service.

A few things to consider: The postal service warns that some of the ubiquitous blue collection boxes have early pickups. And, the IRS will return packages with insufficient postage.

It isn't alone. FAA rules say that stamped mail in excess of 13 ounces placed in collection boxes may be sent back. Delays mean penalties.

So, a warning for the computer-challenged: Finish returns early and hurry to the post office before it closes.