Treasurer-Tax Collector Michelle Bodley and Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters Armando Salud-Ambriz are reminding residents that postmarks matter for time-sensitive mail, including property tax payments and vote-by-mail ballots.
“It is more important than ever for residents to understand mailing timelines and how the postmark process works, as this knowledge helps prevent missed deadlines and the penalties that can result from late mailing,” Bodley said.
Recent clarification from the U.S. Postal Service explains that most mail now receives a machine-applied postmark when it is processed at a regional facility; not when it is dropped into a local mailbox. As a result, mail sent close to a deadline may not be postmarked on time.
Why Postmarks Matter
- If the second installment of the 2025-2026 property tax payment is not postmarked or received by April 10, 2026, delinquent penalties will apply.
- If a vote-by-mail ballot is not hand-postmarked by Election Day, June 2, 2026, it will not be counted.
Property Tax Payments
State law requires property tax payments to be received or postmarked by the delinquency date. Payments that arrive late without a valid postmark must be assessed penalties, which may include a 10% penalty and an additional $10 fee, if applicable.
Taxpayers mailing close to a deadline are encouraged to visit a U.S. Postal Service counter and request a free hand-cancelled postmark, or to use online, phone, or in-person payment options.
Vote-by-Mail Ballots
If voting by mail, mail your vote-by-mail ballot via the United States Postal Service by May 29 (the Friday before Election Day). If that’s not possible, walk your vote-by-mail ballot into a post office and ask a clerk for a free hand-cancelled postmark, or use an official drop box or vote center.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, June 2, 2026, to be counted. Ballots postmarked after Election Day will not be included in election results.
“Whether it’s a tax payment or a ballot, deadlines matter,” said Salud-Ambriz. “Our goal is to make sure voters and taxpayers have the information they need to make confident, informed choices and to ensure their voices and payments are counted.”
Contact Information
For questions about property tax payments, contact the Nevada County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at (530) 265-1285 or ttc@nevadacountyca.gov.
For questions about elections or vote-by-mail ballots, contact the Nevada County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters at (530) 265-1298 or elections@nevadacountyca.gov
