Politics & Government

Postage Stamp Rates Increasing in January

The increase is supposed to generate an additional $1.8 billion in revenue to make up for earlier losses.

By EditorΒ Natalie Stevens

If you're someone who uses a lot of stamps, you'll want to start stocking up on Forever stampsΒ before prices rise.

On Jan. 26, the cost of a first-class postage stamp will rise from $.46 to $.49, according to theΒ Chicago Tribune.Β 

A book of first-class one-ounce stamps will now cost $9.80. Forever Stamps purchased before the increase will still be valid for all one-ounce letters.Β 

The U.S. Postal Service’s regulator approved the increase of about 6 percent across all mail services. However, according to theΒ Tribune,Β the rates are not expected to becomeΒ permanentΒ and will likely end in less than two years.
The rate increase is supposed to boost the USPS' revenue by $1.8 billion in a year to recoup from losses suffered in 2008 and 2009, said theΒ Tribune.Β 

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.