- Starting Dec. 24, 2025, USPS will apply postmarks at regional centers instead of local offices, possibly delaying postmark dates by several days.
- Donors mailing charitable gifts for 2025 tax deductions should use USPS counters, PVI postage, manual postmarks, or certified mail by Dec. 31.
A new U.S. Postal Service rule could impact how mailed charitable gifts are documented for 2025 tax purposes.
According to an email from Barzella Papa, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, starting Wednesday, Dec. 24, the Postal Service will stop applying postmarks at local post offices and mailboxes. Rather, mail will be postmarked later at regional processing centers – sometimes several days after it is dropped off.
“As a result, the postmark may no longer accurately reflect when a donor mailed their year-end gift,” she said. “This change could affect whether a mailed donation is considered tax-deductible for the 2025 calendar year.”
Donors who plan to mail checks and want them counted for 2025 are encouraged to take the following actions on or before Dec. 31:
- Bring the envelope to a USPS service counter
- Purchase postage with a Postage Validation Imprint (PVI), or
- Request a manual (local) postmark, or
- Use Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or request a Certificate of Mailing
It should be noted that simply placing a check in a mailbox or using a self-service kiosk may not offer proof of a 2025 mailing date under the new system.
Anyone with questions can contact the Community Foundation at 352-367-0060 or office@cfncf.org.