Post Office Not Extending Hours for Tax Deadline

If you're one of the many taxpayers who just can't seem to file before deadline day, you should be aware the U.S. Post Offices in the area will be less sympathetic this year.

Northern Virginia post offices will not extend hours Monday, the federal tax filing deadline.

"Incurring additional costs to extend business hours April 18 is not practical when you consider the financial challenges we are facing," Northern Virginia District Manager Michael Furey said in a statement.

Mailing services revenue decreased $520 million, or 3.3 percent, in the first quarter of 2011 compared to last year's first quarter, the statement said.

The Oakton branch on White Granite Drive will close at 5 p.m. as it does any other Monday, but it also offers a 24-hour automated postal center that can take care of most mailing needs — a service Northern Virginia post offices are urging last-minute filers to consider.

The following branches are open later than 5 p.m.

• Merrifield, 8409 Lee Highway, 8 p.m.
• Alexandria, 1100 Wythe Street, 6 p.m.
• Fairfax Chantilly, 4410 Brookfield Corporate Drive, 6 p.m.
• Herndon, 590 Groove Street, 6 p.m.
• Sterling Potomac Falls, 46164 Westlake Drive, 6 p.m.
• Prince William, 3360 Post Office Road, 6 p.m.
• Winchester, 340 N Pleasant Valley Road, 6 p.m.

The deadline for state tax filing in Virginia is May 1. Because it falls on a Sunday, taxpayers may file the next business day, May 2.