As your County Treasurer, I want to share important information about recent changes to USPS postmark procedures that may affect mailed tax payments.

On December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) added Section 608.11 to Federal Register Document 2025-20740 to clarify the meaning of postmarked dates.

The new rule explains that while a postmark confirms the USPS had possession of a mail piece on the date shown, that date does not always match the date the item was first accepted by the USPS. The date displayed on a machine-applied postmark now represents the date of the first automated processing operation at a USPS facility—not necessarily the date the item was dropped off.

According to South Carolina Code Section 12-45-180, “The United States postmark is the determining date for mailed payments.” The law further provides that if a tax payment receives an incorrect postmark and a penalty is imposed as a result, the county treasurer may waive the penalty when proper evidence shows the mailing was timely.

To ensure a postmark reflects the actual mailing date, the USPS recommends using one of the following services:

• Request a Manual Postmark: Present your mail at a retail counter and ask for a “manual (local) postmark.” This mark is applied immediately and reflects the true date of acceptance.
• Use a Postage Validation Imprint (PVI): When postage is purchased at a retail counter, the PVI label printed by USPS includes the date of acceptance.
• Obtain a Certificate of Mailing or Use Certified/Registered Mail: These services provide a dated receipt proving when the item was presented to the USPS.

As your County Treasurer, I will always err on the side of the taxpayer. If you can provide evidence—such as those listed above—showing timely mailing, I may waive the penalty as permitted by law. However, without such proof, state law requires that I collect the penalty.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping ensure your payments are received timely and properly credited for both your upcoming real estate payment due on March 16, 2026, as well as your annual vehicle tax payment.

-Cindy L. Chitty, Treasurer