Certified Mail vs. Regular Mail?

Ever wonder if you should bother using certified mail instead of regular mail?  As an attorney I prefer to err on the side of caution, and would likely opt for certified.  While attending a recent tax law seminar update one update related to mailings to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

....in general, a petition is considered timely filed only if it is actually received by the Commission (Tax Appeals Commission) on or before the due date, with one exception.  The exception....Wis. Stat. section 73.01(5)(a), a petition is considered timely filed when it is mailed by certified mail in a properly addressed envelope, with postage duly prepaid, with the envelope postmarked before midnight of the last day for filing.  The use of regular mail is untimely.  Priority mail is untimely.  Sliding it under the door of the office after it is closed is untimely.  Details matter in the area of law.

While this is a narrow section of Wisconsin law, the principal is a good one.  If timing is key -- use certified mail, and check the statutes or administrative rules for these types of requirements.

Thanks for reading, and please remember that a blog post is not a legal opinion nor a substitute for legal advice.  Please consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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