Advantages of CBUs

You can’t look into the USPS without finding articles and opinion pieces revolving around ways to assist with their financial struggles. There have been a multitude of proposals, from eliminating Saturday delivery to adding postal banking to all post offices. Another idea that has been thrown around is the idea of eliminating door-to-door delivery. What this means is that in future developments, all mailboxes will be cluster box units. In some cases old developments may even be encouraged to make the switch. If you aren’t familiar with CBUs, we’re here to explain all the fantastic advantages that come with them.

Most American citizens are aware of the USPS financial situation. Due largely in part to declining mail volumes and a law requiring the Postal Service to pre-fund retiree health benefits, the USPS rarely makes a profit. In fact it turned a profit this financial quarter for the first time in five years. However, without further reform, it is unlikely that this is a trend that will continue. With this in mind, one must consider the amount of money the USPS would save by switching to CBU delivery. CBUs allow letter carriers to make fewer stops, thereby saving time and money. Instead of walking around an entire block to deliver the mail, a letter carrier would be able to stop at just one CBU and service the entire block. This would make mail delivery much faster.

CBUs are also much safer than traditional mailboxes. The typical door-to-door mailbox has no type of lock or security. This opens you to the possibility of mail and identity theft. Citizens are particularly vulnerable around tax season, when thieves are seeking tax documents and checks. They may go through all mailboxes on the block, or just mailboxes with the outgoing mail flag up. CBUs require a key to gain access which creates an extra barrier between thieves and your mail.

Another advantage of CBUs is that they remove headaches for ordinary citizens. With a typical residential mailbox, you have to maintain it. You must make sure the post is secure and that the mailbox is painted. You have to mow and shovel around the post. Depending on where you are, you may even have to shovel a path to your mailbox or risk the letter carriers refusing to deliver your mail. With a CBU, all those hassles disappear. All you have to do is walk (or drive) to the CBU, take your mail, and go.   

Residential mailboxes go through a lot of use, and often they will show it. CBUs are designed to be

more resistant to use and the elements, especially if they are made for outdoor use. A CBU will not require painting and regular maintenance. Not only is this good for the mailbox, but it is good for mail and parcels too. With extra protection parcels and mail are less likely to get wet and damaged from the elements.

This final advantage we want to discuss today admittedly will not apply to all CBUs, but it will apply to some. Many CBUs do not have only tenant mail compartments, but parcel lockers as well. This eliminates the need for you to make a trip to the post office to pick up your packages. It also means your packages won’t be left on the porch for all to see. Packages are secured in a durable parcel locker, accessible only by key.

There are many reasons why CBUs are a great option. If you encounter them at your next home, give them a chance before you write off these high quality units.  

Tax Season Tips

Tax day is less than a week away. Have you filed your taxes yet? If not, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. It’s never wise to wait until the last minute to do anything, but waiting to the last minute to mail in your taxes could be a costly mistake.

Many Americans file taxes electronically now, but for those of you who prefer to mail them, there’s a few things you need to make note of. We’ve compiled this list of tips when it comes to filing taxes.

1.       Please note that you can no longer pick up tax forms from a post office. Instead you need to go to the IRS website itself. This is important to note, because individuals who wait until several days beforehand to pick up their forms are going to find themselves in a panic when they can’t get them at their local post office.

2.       Don’t forget to place a return address on your envelope. This could cause your item to be sent to a postal mail recovery office to determine the sender of the mail. Of course, this will delay its return.

3.       If you are planning to deposit your tax returns in a blue collection box on April 15^th, check the pick-up schedule. To get the April 15^th postmark, your mail needs to be picked up by a postal worker that day. Having it in the mail in time does nothing for you if you mail it after the collection box has been emptied for the day.

4.       Be sure to write clearly on your envelope, or better yet, print labels. The last thing you want is to go through the work of filing taxes and have the envelope be illegible.

5.       Be sure you use the correct amount of postage. Your item may weigh more than an ounce, and IRS will not pay for postage due. This means that your filing will be returned. If your letter is over one ounce, it needs more postage.

6.       It is encouraged by the USPS that you get security proof of mailing, as well as proof of delivery. You can ask for more details at your local post office.

7.       Do not mail your tax return from a personal mailbox. Thieves are on the lookout during tax season. Be sure to mail from a secure post office or collection box.

Don’t procrastinate and be sure to get your taxes filed in time. If you still have questions, call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-1040 (1-800-829-1040).