When is the deadline for making a charitable contribution?

You can make a charitable contribution of shares at any time, but it will only be eligible to be deducted in the taxable year in which it is made (which ends each year on December 31). We process donations only on business days when markets are open, so we recommend making a donation no later than the second-to-last business day of the year in which you wish to claim the donation. 

Please note that Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs require additional time to process and as such should be requested at least a week in advance of the contribution deadline.

Betterment is not a tax advisor, and the information provided here should not be construed as tax advice. It should only be used for informational purposes. Please consult a qualified tax professional and refer to IRS Publication 526 and IRS Form 8283 to determine the rules that apply to your individual tax situation.