As we approach the end of the year, many generous donors choose to support their favorite Catholic ministries and nonprofits by mailing a check in late December. Beginning December 24, 2025, a change by the United States Postal Service (USPS) may impact whether those last-minute mailed gifts qualify for a 2025 charitable tax deduction.
The USPS has updated how postmark dates are applied to mail.
Traditionally, donors and nonprofits relied on the assumption that a gift dropped in the mail by December 31 would receive a December 31 postmark. Under the new USPS policy, the postmark date will reflect when the envelope is first processed at a USPS regional facility, not necessarily the date it was placed in a local mailbox.
This means a gift mailed on December 30 or 31 could receive a January postmark if it is not processed until after the New Year.
For tax purposes, the IRS generally considers a charitable gift made in the year it is:
If a mailed gift receives a January 2026 postmark, it may be treated as a 2026 contribution, even if the donor mailed it before December 31.
To avoid any uncertainty, donors planning to give at year-end should consider one of the following options:
✔ Give electronically by December 31
Online gifts, ACH transfers, donor-advised fund grants, stock gifts, and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs are recorded based on the date the transaction is completed—not postal processing.
✔ Visit the post office counter
Ask for a hand-canceled (manual) postmark dated on or before December 31.
✔ Mail earlier than usual
Sending mailed gifts several days before year-end allows time for USPS processing and reduces risk.
✔ Use Certified Mail or a Certificate of Mailing
These options provide documentation of the mailing date.
We understand that year-end giving is an important spiritual and financial decision. Our team is happy to assist donors with questions about:
If you are planning a year-end gift and want to ensure it is credited in the 2025 tax year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Your generosity makes an enduring difference in the life of the Church and the ministries you love. Thank you for your faithful stewardship and for partnering with us to build a lasting legacy of faith.
