Government of Canada announces extension of 2024 charitable donations to February 28, 2025

News release
December 30, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, along with the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the federal government intends to amend the Income Tax Act to extend the deadline for making donations eligible for tax support in the 2024 tax year, until February 28, 2025.

Canada’s charities work tirelessly to address poverty and hunger, improve socioeconomic outcomes for Canadians, and keep communities connected and informed. Many charities depend on the generous donations of Canadians and businesses, particularly during the holiday season, to carry out this valuable work.

This extension will mitigate the impacts of the four-week Canada Post mail stoppage by providing donors with sufficient time to ensure their contributions are received and processed, helping charities ensure they can deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them.

The government will introduce legislation effecting these changes once Parliament returns in the new year.

Quotes
“Charities are at the heart of communities across Canada, lending a helping hand to those in need. This extension recognizes the impact that the Canada Post service disruption had on their fundraising campaigns, and will give charities additional time to receive and process donations so that they can continue their vital work.”

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs

“Registered charities play an important role in our society and provide valuable services to Canadians—especially the most vulnerable among us. The Government of Canada is dedicated to the strength and vitality of charities, as we know these organizations are important to the social fabric of Canada and the well-being of Canadians.”

- The Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Minister of National Revenue

Quick facts
There are approximately 86,000 registered charities in Canada, each carrying out activities in support of one or more of the four recognized categories of charity—the relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, and other purposes beneficial to the community.

The Government of Canada understands that registered charities are an important part of Canadian society, and it encourages Canadians to donate generously through the Charitable Donation Tax Credit for individuals and the deduction for charitable donations for corporations.

Federal tax assistance for donations to charities and other qualified donees is projected to be almost $5 billion for 2024.