Richland County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove advises of Postal Service changes
January 13, 2026
New federal rules could affect real estate tax mailings
Residents who typically mail their County tax payments are advised that recent federal changes to the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) mail-processing procedures could affect when postmarks are applied to first-class mail.
Late in 2025, the USPS announced a new rule: Instead of letters being postmarked the day they are received by a post office, those letters will now be postmarked when they are processed at a regional mail facility. This process can take one to two days later, or longer during weekends and holidays.
With this change, residents should note that with the upcoming Jan. 15 real estate tax payment penalty date for 2025 taxes, all Richland County tax payments will continue to be processed based on the date mail is postmarked. Tax payments postmarked after Jan. 15 will be considered late.
County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove warned that these changes could significantly impact time-sensitive payments, such as tax bills, for which the postmark date determines whether a payment is considered timely or delinquent, potentially resulting in additional late fees for taxpayers.
Residents who wish to mail their tax payments are urged to take note of this change by the U.S. Postal Service.
In addition to mail, residents can also continue making payments:
- in person at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
- at one of three self-service kiosk locations in the County (5425 Lower Richland Blvd. in Hopkins, 1320 Clemson Road in Columbia, or 1009 Bickley Road in Irmo)
- in person at Synovus Bank offices in the Midlands
- on the County’s website
More information is available on the County’s website. Visit richlandcountysc.gov and under the “Property & Business” tab, go to the link to pay taxes.
Find out more about the USPS changes on the Postal Service’s website: service-standard-changes-faq-doc2-2025.pdf.
Residents with questions should contact the County Treasurer’s Office. Call 803-576-2250 or email [email protected].
About Richland County
The County Government is dedicated to providing exceptional public services through effective planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance to ensure that all residents, visitors, and businesses have equitable opportunities and improved quality of life today and in the future.
