---
title: When is the year-end deadline for DAF donations?
description: Learn when to start a DAF donation so it counts toward this year’s taxes, and what can affect how long your transfer takes.
---
[Skip to content](https://help.frec.com/en-us/when-is-the-year-end-deadline-for-daf-donations#main-content)
[](https://help.frec.com/en-us?hsLang=en-us)
- [Contact help](https://help.frec.com/contact-help)
- [Login](https://frec.com/app/login)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Contact help](https://help.frec.com/contact-help)
- [Login](https://frec.com/app/login)
This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Frec Help Center](https://help.frec.com/en-us?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Transfers & deposits](https://help.frec.com/en-us/transfers-deposits?hsLang=en-us)
3. [Stock donations](https://help.frec.com/en-us/transfers-deposits?hsLang=en-us#stock-donations)
November 10, 2026
# When is the year-end deadline for DAF donations?
For your DAF contribution to count toward this year’s taxes, your DAF must receive it by December 31. Transfers only process on business days and can take time, so we recommend starting your donation by December 15. We’ll try to complete donations started after December 15 before year-end, but we can’t guarantee they’ll count toward the current tax year.
If you submit a donation on December 28 and your DAF receives it on January 3, it counts toward the following tax year, not the year you submitted it.
### Why the date your DAF receives the shares matters
Your deduction counts for the year your DAF receives your contribution, not the year you start the transfer. A donation you submit on December 28 that arrives on January 3 counts toward 2027, not 2026.
### What affects timing
| Factor | What to know |
| --- | --- |
| Direct index donations | Your shares are donated only after your cash deposit arrives. A bank transfer can take several business days. If you already have cash in your Frec account or send a wire, your donation may start sooner. |
| Outside DAFs | Transfers to other DAF providers, like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or Vanguard Charitable, can take longer than transfers to Daffy. Leave extra time, especially near year-end. |
| One donation at a time | You can start a new donation only after the current one is complete, so plan multiple gifts with time to spare. |
| Market holidays | Transfers don't settle on weekends or market holidays, including December 25 and January 1. |
### Keep in mind
- December 15 is a recommended date, not a guarantee. In most cases, donations started by then reach your DAF before year-end. Donations started later are less likely to count toward the current tax year.
- Starting in November gives you the most time, especially if you’re depositing cash by bank transfer or donating to a DAF with another provider.
[](https://frec.com/)
FREC © 2026 Frec Markets, Inc. All rights reserved.