What you need to know when claiming charitable donations

(NC)—If you are like millions of Canadians who give to registered charities each year, here are some useful steps to follow when claiming your charitable donations on your income tax and benefit return:

Confirm that the organization you give to is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Every registered charity has a valid registration number (for example, 123456789RR0001) that you can find by using the CRA’s charities listings at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/donors/.

Keep your official donation receipts for all amounts claimed.

Each receipt should indicate that it is an “official receipt for income tax purposes”. In addition, keep your proof of payment such as cancelled cheques or bank statements.

Make sure that your official donation receipt contains all the mandatory information.

Each official donation receipt should show the registered charity’s address and a registration number. For a list of other receipting requirements, go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca/donors/.

• Only claim donation amounts that are supported by official donation receipts.

• Submit claims only for donations made on or before December 31 of the tax year of your return or for donations made in the previous four tax years that have not already been claimed.

Learn more about donating wisely by:

• going to www.cra-arc.gc.ca/donors/;

• calling 1-800-267-2384; or

• watching the Giving to Registered Charities 101 videocasts on the CRA’s YouTube channel.

Source: www.newscanada.com