The 2016 tax filing deadline is fast approaching and post offices are ready for last minute tax filers on April 18. The IRS accepts the First-Class postmark as proof of filing by April 18.

The United States Postal Service offers these tips for income tax filers mailing returns:

– If filing on April 18, mail early in the day at any post office. Be sure to verify post office hours of operation.

– If depositing returns in a collection box on April 18, double-check the pick-up schedule on the collection box. To ensure getting the April 18 postmark, deposit returns before the last scheduled pick-up time.

– Affix the correct postage. Some returns include many forms and require additional postage. IRS does not pay postage due and will return items to sender.

– When possible, use the envelope provided by the IRS and be sure to include a return address. If the envelope provided by the IRS is unavailable, be sure to verify the IRS address where returns should be mailed.

The following is a list of local post offices and closing times:

– Cape Coral South, 4722 S.E. 17th Ave., Coral Coral, 5:30 p.m.

– Page Field, 2655 N. Airport Road, Fort Myers, 5:30 p.m.

– Port Charlotte, 3740 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 6 p.m.

– Cape Coral Central, 1030 S.E. Ninth Ave., Coral Coral, 6:30 p.m.

– Sarasota, 1661 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 5:30 p.m.

– Gulf Gate, 2875 Ashton Road, Sarasota, 5:30 p.m.

– Glengarry, 935 N. Beneva Road, Suite 801, Sarasota, 5:30 p.m.

– Southgate, 2055 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, 5:30 p.m.

– Venice, 350 W. Venice Ave., Venice, 5:30 p.m.

Phil Wiebold is a spokesman for U.S. Postal Service.