If your charity is eligible to issue registered official donation slips, then it is also required to fill out form T3010 Registered Charity Information Return. Only registered charities need to do this, and only an authorized representative can file this form. Unlike with personal tax returns, there is no single time that a registered charity information return is due. Instead, it is simply due within six months of your charity’s fiscal year-end.

 

Even if your charity was not active in this fiscal year, you need to keep filing in order to stay registered. It’s also important to note that some of the information provided on this form is available to the public, while other information is not. Here’s what you need to know about the registered charity information return.

What is a T3010 Charity Information Return? 

The T3010 is an income tax return for a charity. It must include your financial statements and many other pieces of information. The form actually comes with a checklist so that you can be sure you’ve filled it out completely.

 

The best thing you can do if you are responsible for reporting for a charity on this form, review and follow the details in guide T4033, Completing the Registered Charity Information Return, that can be found on the CRA website.

 

What Happens if you don’t file your return?

Not filing your T3010 return for your charity can result in your registration being revoked.  If your registration is revoked then you are no longer able to issued office donation receipts to your donators, you will no longer be exempt from income tax, and you must either give all assets to an eligible donee or pay an equivalent amount to the value of those assets as a revocation tax.

How to Complete Form T3010 Charity Information Return

Form T1030 is a long form. It will take time to complete so be sure you are following the instructions and have on hand, guide T4033, to assist you.

 

You may complete and file the return through the CRA My Business Account online form.  The form will assist you in completing it as you go.  As you must include you financial statements, you will be able to upload a digital copy prior to filing.

 

In total, a completed return includes the following forms:

  • T3010, Registered Charity Information Return
  • T1235, Directors/Trustees and Like Officials Worksheet
  • T1236, Qualified Donees Worksheet (if applicable)
  • T2081, excess Corporate Holding Worksheet for Private Foundations (if applicable)
  • Financial Statements for the fiscal year you are filing
  • RC232, Corporations Information Act Annual Return for Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations (if applicable)

 

What if your charity is inactive or no longer in operation?

 

Being classified as “inactive” means that “during the entire fiscal year, it did not use any of its resources to carry out its charitable activities of rot further its charitable purposes”, as per the CRA.  If your charity is no longer in operation, you may request to have your registration voluntarily revoked; you will need to contact the CRA in writing.