Dear Friend,
As you plan your year-end charitable giving, we wanted to make you aware of changes the USPS is making to the postmark date system that could affect your tax benefits.
Under the new rule, which goes into effect on December 24, machine postmarks will be added at regional distribution centers, not local drop-off points.
Why does this matter?
It means that there could be a delay of several days between the time you put a check in the mail and the time it receives the postmark that determines whether your gift can be counted as a charitable contribution in 2025 or 2026.
For example, if you drop your check in the mail on December 31, you will not be able to claim that gift in 2025 if it ends up postmarked January 2.
What are your options?
If you would like your year-end gift to MAP to be counted for 2025, here are a few ways to help ensure it’s received on time: