Last August 2025, a change was implemented in the United States Postal Service (USPS) protocols: since then, the postmarking process at local offices has been moved to regional sorting facilities, so the official date on the stamp may vary. This can cause tax payments sent within the proper deadline to be recorded as late, resulting in interest or penalties. For this reason, Portage County Treasurer Pam Przybelski advises residents to send their tax payments well in advance of January 31 (the deadline), and also reminds them of the availability of online payment.
Changes in USPS
The commotion originates from an internal USPS regulation that came into effect last August 2025. With this new measure, mail no longer receives the postmark with the official date at the moment it is first received at the local office; instead, it first travels to regional sorting centers, where it is then dated. The problem lies in the fact that during this transit, the date assigned to the mail changes and differs from the original.
For tax authorities, what matters is not the day the citizen dropped the envelope in the mailbox, but the date shown on the postmark. Therefore, if the regional center postmarks it after the legal deadline, the taxpayer will automatically be considered delinquent, generating additional interest and even penalties for nonpayment.
How to prevent this delay
From Portage County, Treasurer Pam Przybelski has been one of the most active voices in warning about this danger. With the January 31 deadline approaching, Przybelski has urged the public not to rely on traditional shipping times and has recommended planning ahead for shipments. Additionally, she has reminded people of the option to use the “e-check”, the electronic payment available both by phone and online.
It should also be noted that although most payments can be made online through the county’s official website, there are exceptions, as the towns of Almond, Belmont, Eau Pleine, Lanark, and the city of Stevens Point do not have this digital option. If you have any questions, the authorities recommend contacting the Portage County Treasurer’s Office at 715-346-1346.
Frequently asked questions
Why could my tax payment be considered late even if I send it on time?
Due to a USPS regulation from August 2025, mail is no longer postmarked at the local office but at regional centers. This can delay the official postmark date by several days. Since authorities only recognize the date shown on the stamp and not the day you dropped the envelope in the mailbox, you could face fines and interest if the stamp is applied after the legal deadline.
What does Treasurer Pam Przybelski recommend to avoid penalties?
The Portage County treasurer advises not to wait until the last minute and to mail payments well in advance of the January 31 deadline. She also suggests using the “e-check,” which allows for secure and immediate payment by phone or online.
What other options do citizens have if they cannot pay online?
Although digital payment is the safest option, it is not available for payments for the current year in Almond, Belmont, Eau Pleine, Lanark, and the city of Stevens Point. In these cases, or if physical mail is preferred, it is recommended to plan for extra time for sending or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 715-346-1346 for guidance.
