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Important information about postmarks and year-end gifts

Changes to USPS transportation operations might affect when postal mail arrives at processing facilities. As a result, a letter may not receive postmark on the same day it's dropped in a mailbox or taken to a Post Office. This can be especially important for those who send year-end tax-deductible charitable gifts close to Dec. 31.

Important information about postmarking year-end gifts

Year-end postmarks for online giving

year-end giving important reminder about postmarksImportant information for year-end gifts: postmarks and online giving

Many donors prefer to wait until the end of the year to make their tax-deductible charitable gifts. For those donors, recent guidance from the U.S. Postal Service may affect when and how you choose to make your gifts.

Postmark dates are used to determine when a gift made via postal mail is officially received, and therefore, the tax year when it can be applied. If the postmark reflects Dec. 31 or earlier, the donation will typically qualify for a deduction in the current tax year. If the postmark is dated Jan. 1 or later, the deduction will typically apply to that corresponding tax year.

What changed?

The USPS applies postmarks — typically by machine — at originating processing facilities. While the USPS has clarified that the way postmarks are applied has not changed, updates to its transportation operations might affect when postal mail arrives at processing facilities.

This means an automated postmark may not get applied the same day you drop an envelope into the mail or a mailbox.

In other words, if you wait until Dec. 31 to mail a donation — regardless of the date written on the check — it may not be postmarked in time to apply to the current tax year.

What can you do to ensure your gift applies to your intended tax year?

There are several ways you can avoid any unintended delays with your year-end giving:

  • Make donations via secure online giving forms. HonorHealth Foundation provides a secure, user-friendly online donation form that allows you to pay via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. This method also allows you to easily designate which fund or program you’d like to support and indicate whether your gift is in honor or memory of someone special. You will receive an immediate email confirmation and receipt for your gift to retain for your tax records. Please note, while the HonorHealth Foundation online form will immediately process your gift, it is the date your credit card provider applies the charge that determines tax year eligibility. A charge may be applied immediately, but there could also be a delay. Please factor this into your year-end giving planning.

  • If you’re mailing your gift, plan ahead and keep records. If you still prefer to mail in your donation, don’t wait until Dec. 31! It’s also prudent to save an image of your check and retain proof of mailing, such as receipts from Certified Mail or Registered Mail.

  • Request a manual postmark at a retail Postal Service facility. If you’re not able to mail your check before Dec. 31, there’s no need to panic. You can take your mail to any USPS retail counter and request the postal employee to manually postmark, or "hand-cancel," your mail (this service is provided at no charge). This ensures the postmark matches the mailing date.

For more information, view the USPS Postmarking Myths and Facts.

Please consult your tax professional for questions about your tax return.