Mailing an IRA contribution?

Don’t wait until the last day.

The deadline for making 2025 Traditional and Roth IRA contributions is April 15, 2026. That deadline may sound straightforward, but there is an important mailing detail to be aware of this year.

To be treated as a 2025 contribution, a check must be received by Raymond James by April 15, 2026, unless it qualifies under the IRS timely-mailing rule. Under that rule, a mailed contribution can still qualify if the envelope is

• • Properly addressed, and
  • Postage is prepaid, and
  • The envelope is postmarked on or before April 15.

If those requirements are not met, the contribution cannot legally be treated as a 2025 deposit.

When You Mail Matters More This Year

The United States Postal Service has changed how postmarks are applied. Mail is now postmarked when it is processed at a USPS sorting facility, rather than when it is dropped off at a local post office or mailbox.

That means a check mailed on April 15 may receive a later postmark date, creating added risk for anyone mailing an IRA contribution close to the deadline.

To Help Avoid Problems

• • Mail early
  • Use electronic contribution methods when possible
  • Request a hand-applied postmark
    If you must mail close to the deadline, ask for a hand-applied postmark at a USPS retail counter.

Takeaway

The main takeaway is this: if you want a mailed contribution to count for 2025, give it extra time. A delayed postmark could prevent the contribution from being treated as a prior-year deposit.

If you have questions about contribution timing or options, please contact our team.

CSP #1048682  Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services.  Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.