PRESS RELEASE: State encourages mailing important documents early to avoid missing deadlines

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Governor

Stephanie Schardin Clarke

Cabinet Secretary

Media Contacts

Megan Gleason

Taxation and Revenue Department

megan.gleason@tax.nm.gov

505-231-3801

Stacy Johnston

Department of Workforce Solutions

stacy.johnston@dws.nm.gov

505-250-3926

January 16, 2026

State encourages mailing important documents early to avoid missing deadlines

New USPS postmark procedures could affect time-sensitive forms

SANTA FE ─ Following changes by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on its postmark procedures, New Mexico state agencies are encouraging people to mail important, time-sensitive documents early to avoid potential datemark delays leading to missed deadlines.

New Mexicans are encouraged to file documents electronically, when possible.

On Dec. 24, 2025, USPS began postmarking letters and packages with the date processed at a facility rather than the date dropped off in a mailbox, as was previously done.

Multiple state agencies depend on the USPS postmark date for deadlines, including the

Taxation and Revenue and Workforce Solutions departments. Missed deadlines can lead to penalties and interest accrual.

Time-sensitive forms and matters with deadlines dependent on postmark dates include:

Tax return filings

Motor Vehicle Division Implied Consent hearing requests

Delinquent property tax installment agreements

Tax protests

Unemployment insurance correspondence for claimants and employers for benefits, taxes, and appeal hearings

Claims documentation related to child labor, human rights, paid sick leave, public works, and wage and hour

People can also take mail directly to a post office and request a manual postmark to ensure the postmark aligns with the date received by USPS.

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