The year end looms, and with that comes many seasonal tasks. It’s time to cut back the garden, rake the leaves, move the winter coats to the front closet, make holiday plans, and chart out year-end giving. If you will be making charitable year-end donations, there are several timing concerns to keep in mind for your donation to be deductible on your 2026 tax return:
- If you send a check by mail, the donation is completed when the envelope is postmarked even if it arrives after the first of the year.
- If you use a credit card, the donation is completed the day the charge is processed, not the day you receive your credit card statement.
- If you donate via text message, the donation is completed when you send the text, but be sure to save the statement on which the charge appears.
- If you donate stock or other securities electronically, do it well before the end of December. The donation is not completed until the transfer is booked on the records of the charity or its broker, and sometimes electronic transfers take several days.
- If you hand-deliver a stock certificate, the donation is completed when the charity accepts the certificate from you (be sure to endorse the stock certificate or stock power).
- If you mail a stock certificate, the rule is the same as when you mail a check: the donation is completed the day the envelope is postmarked.
- If you send a check or stock certificate via an overnight courier service like FedEx, the donation is completed the day the envelope is delivered. However, be sure to plan ahead as courier services do not always deliver timely.
If deducting your donation is important to you, remember that not all charities are eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. You can check an organization’s eligibility using an online search tool.
A little planning now can help your year-end generosity arrive right on time. And, as always, we’re just a phone call or email away if you have any questions.
