Charitable Donation Tax Credit in Canada: How It Works
If you've donated to a registered charity like Right To Play, you're eligible for a tax credit that can lower what you owe the CRA. Here's how it works, how much you can expect back, and when to expect your tax receipt.
This page is for general information only and isn't personalized tax advice. For your specific situation, check the CRA's charitable donation tax credit page or talk to a tax professional.
What is the charitable donation tax credit?
It's a non-refundable federal and provincial tax credit for donations made to registered charities in Canada. It doesn't reduce your income the way a deduction does. Instead, it reduces the tax you owe. See below for how much charitable donations reduce taxes
To claim it, you need an official donation receipt showing the charity's registration number. Right To Play International's charitable registration number is 88880 4218 RR0001.
How much do charitable donations reduce my taxes?
The federal credit works in two tiers:
- First $200 of donations in a year: 14% federal credit
- Everything above $200: 29% federal credit
Provinces add their own credit on top of the federal amount, using a similar two-tier structure. Combined, most donors end up with a total credit somewhere between 20% and 50% of their donation, depending on their province and income.
Exact combined rates vary by province, so this page won't give you a single number that's accurate for everyone — the CanadaHelps charitable tax calculator or a tax professional can give you the figure for your specific province and income.
Does my donation to Right To Play qualify?
Yes. Right To Play is a registered Canadian charity (BN: 88880 4218 RR0001), so any donation you make is eligible for the charitable donation tax credit.
When will I get my tax receipt?
One-time donations: you'll receive an electronic tax receipt within 24 hours of donating.
Monthly donations: you'll receive one consolidated tax receipt in February of the following year, covering all your gifts from that year.
Make sure we have your current email or mailing address on file so your receipt doesn't go astray. If you need help with a receipt, email Donor Relations or call 416-203-0190.
Can I claim donations from past years?
Yes. Unused charitable donation credits can be carried forward for up to 5 years. If you donate a smaller amount most years, it's sometimes worth saving your receipts and claiming several years at once — donations above $200 get a higher credit rate than the first $200, so combining a few years' worth into a single claim can work out better than claiming small amounts annually. This is a general strategy, not advice for your specific return — check with a tax professional before deciding.
Is there a limit to how much I can claim?
You can generally claim donations up to 75% of your net income in a given year. For most donors, this isn't a practical limit, it mainly matters if you're making a very large gift relative to your income in a single year.
Where can I find the exact rate for my province?
Provincial credit rates vary. Some provinces (like Alberta) offer a notably higher rate on the first $200 than others. For the current rate in your province, the CRA's line 34900 page is the most reliable source, since rates are updated periodically and can change year to year.
More questions?
Our Donor Relations team can help with anything receipt or donation-related. Call 416-203-0190 or email [email protected]
Ready To Make A Tax-Deductible Donation? Give Today →