Extension to claim charitable donations made until February 28, 2025

On December 30, 2024, the Department of Finance announced an extension for charitable donations eligible for tax support in the 2024 tax year. On January 23, 2025, draft legislation was released, which will be introduced in Parliament soon. The CRA confirmed it will administer this extension for charitable donations in line with its usual practices.

What does this mean for charities and donees? Charities should continue issuing official donation receipts as usual. While they aren’t required to issue receipts for donations made during the extension period, they may choose to do so for donor convenience. This extension won’t change how donations are reported on the 2024 or 2025 information returns.

What does this mean for donors? Individuals can claim donations made up to February 28, 2025, on their 2024 tax return. If not claimed, donations can be carried forward to the 2025 return. Corporations and graduated rate estates are also eligible for the extension.