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Mailing in a gift? Consider these changes to ensure your charitable contribution counts for 2025!
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Effective December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmarks and Postal Possession rule clarifies how postmarks are applied, which may affect how the timing of mailed charitable gifts is determined. Under this rule, machine-applied postmarks are now generated at regional USPS processing centers rather than at a local post office. Historically, a postmark served as proof of when a gift was mailed. With this change, the postmark date may be applied several days after mail is dropped off locally and is no longer a reliable indicator of the mailing date. As a result, this change could impact whether certain mailed gifts qualify for a 2025 income tax deduction. Donors intending to make a 2025 charitable gift should visit a USPS counter and request one of the following: |
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Please note that self-service kiosks and third-party mailing services do not guarantee compliance for charitable contributions. |
Would you like to finish this year with a gift that maximizes your impact and reduces your taxes? Consider the four smart options below.
Make an Immediate Difference
When you support our mission by simply writing a check, you make great things happen and may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction. If you itemize, you can write off the amount you’re donating, resulting in lower taxable income. Unsure of whether your gift is tax-deductible? Contact your financial advisor or tax consultant.
Did you know? Your envelope must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year.
Use Appreciated Securities
By donating appreciated securities that you have owned for longer than one year, you receive the same income tax savings as you would by making a gift of cash. You also eliminate any tax on the appreciation.
Did you know? If the securities are electronically transferred to us, the gift date is the day the securities enter our account—not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer.
Contribute to Your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Add funds to an existing DAF or open a new one by a written agreement at a community foundation or sponsoring organization. Find your fund here.
Did you know? You qualify for a tax deduction when you make a gift to a DAF, without immediately having to choose the organizations you want to support. If you are ready to start making an impact with your DAF, consider recommending a grant (or recurring grants) to support us.
Make a Gift From Your IRA
If you are 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $105,000 from your IRA directly to us. (Note: This amount will be higher in subsequent years to adjust for inflation.) You will not pay income taxes on the transfer. If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your obligation. Your IRA administrator must remove the funds from your account by Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year. Learn more.
Did you know? If you have check-writing features on your IRA, your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year.
The Countdown Is On
As we approach the end of the year, we are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your kindness. Please contact us at 515.294.1552 or email esaver@iastate.edu.
