Those looking to land a 2025 tax deduction by making a last-minute, end-of-year donation should take heed: The rules have changed.
The USPS in November adopted a rule in the Domestic Mail Manual that went into effect on Wednesday, Dec. 24. The new stipulation states that machine postmarks may no longer be applied at local post offices or drop-off points, but instead at regional processing centers.
As a result, the date stamped on mailed items may be several days later than when the mail was actually deposited, raising concerns for taxpayers who rely on the postmark to document the timing of charitable contributions.
Tax professionals warn that the new rule could impact year-end giving strategies. Without other proof of mailing, the IRS could deem recently sent contributions to have been made in 2026, delaying the deduction by a year. Read more.