Official tax receipts: the basics

Official donation receipts let donors claim a tax credit, so the CRA sets strict rules. Getting them right protects the charity's registration.

What can be receipted

• Gifts of money given freely, with nothing in return, for example the Sunday offering and e-transfers.
• Gifts of property, at fair market value (these have extra rules, so ask your accountant).

What can't be receipted

• Payment for something received, such as tuition, fees, tickets or meals, except the part that's a true gift above its value (the "advantage" is taken off).
• Gifts of services or time.
• Gifts with no name to issue the receipt to.

What every official receipt shows

• the charity's name, address and registration number, as the CRA has them (see Add your charity's details);
• a unique serial number;
• the donor's name and address;
• the date or year the gifts were received, and the date issued;
• the eligible amount, and any advantage taken off;
• the place issued, the signature of an authorized person, and the CRA's website.

Timing

Year-end receipts for gifts received in a calendar year are usually issued by February 28 of the next year, so donors have them for their tax returns.

Church schools

If your church runs a school, part of a parent's gifts may be tuition, not a gift. The CRA's guidance IC75-23 sets out how to work it out. Core1440 does that calculation for you.