Last-Minute Filers Take Trip to Post Office

While there was a line waiting to enter the Cedar Grove Post Office when it opened this morning, U.S. Postal Sales and Service Associate and Lobby Manager Peter Kakalecz said it is just not the same as the crowds that came years ago.

"We used to have people coming in at midnight, and offered coffee and cookies," Kakalecz said. With budget constraints and with more people filing electronically, the post office opened today at its regular time of 10 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m.

"We are not authorized to stay open after 6 p.m. However, if someone comes at 6 p.m. we are not going to throw them out," Kakalecz said. 

For those tax filers who truly will wait until the last minute, a posted notice lists local postal offices with automated machines that will remain open late tonight.  For residents of Verona and Cedar Grove, the nearest post office offering late night service is located in West Caldwell at 155 Clinton Road. Signs at the West Caldwell Post office say the branch is open 24/7. For other local late-night post offices, click here or call (800) 275-8777.

The Verona Post Office closes at 4 p.m. today.

After the initial burst of activity, business at the Cedar Grove Post Office remained steady but without a long line. While some customers were filing their taxes, other customer were conducting routine business. 

Postal Sales Associate Joseph Padula, who was working the counter along with Sales Associate Susan D'Alessio, noted business had been busier yesterday.  With the traditional deadline of April 15 falling on a Sunday, many people did think the deadline was Monday, April 16. The tax deadline was pushed back another day because of Emanicipation Day, a holiday in Washington D.C. yesterday. 

"There was a line when we opened the door yesteday, and it was non-stop all day," Padula said. Padula also said they were busy on Saturday.

Still, both Padula and D'Alessio both said crowds were larger years ago.  "We had to keep replacing sheets of registered mail notices. We would bring out trays of them," D'Alessio recalled. 

While many people thought they had to file yesterday, for some people who had to pay, it was worth the wait to file on the last possible day.

"When you have to pay, you wait to the last day," said Leung Terence of Verona.

Kim McDermott of Little Falls echoed his sentiments. She also noted her accountant did not finish her taxes until late last night.

While taxes mailed today will most likely arrive at the IRS after today's deadline, all forms must be postmarked with today's date in order to avoid possible fines.