As we close out 2025, we want to share an important update that may affect your year-end charitable giving.
New USPS Postmark Rules
Effective December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service will change how it determines the official postmark date on outgoing mail. Under the new rules, the date printed on machine-applied postmarks will reflect the date mail is first processed at a regional sorting facility — not the date it’s dropped in your local mailbox or post office.
Why This Matters for Your Donation
For tax purposes, the IRS generally considers the postmark date as the date of a mailed gift. If a check is dropped in the mail on Dec. 31 but not processed until Jan. 2, under the new system its official postmark could be January 2 — meaning the gift cannot be counted on your 2025 tax return.
How to Ensure Your Gift Counts in 2025
To make sure your charitable gift is recognized with a 2025 date, consider one of the following:
- Visit the Post Office counter and request a manual (local) postmark at the time of mailing.
- Use Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or purchase a Certificate of Mailing (provides evidence of mailing date).
- Make your gift online via credit card/ACH before Dec. 31.
- Hand-deliver your check directly to our office.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to give with confidence — and to ensure your generous support is counted in the year you intended.
Thank you for your continued partnership and generosity. If you have any questions about giving options, please reach out to us!
