Registering for a Charity – CRA & COVID 19

It’s hard times. And you have an idea in which you want to aid communities by providing some sort of pandemic relief programs through a charity. Don’t know where to begin or what information you need? We can help! We have provided some basic information in the discussion below. 

Where to apply with your charity registration application? 

The CRA has encouraged that before you apply for a charity, research and consider if there are other registered charities that are already established, that you donate or offer services to those firstly. However, if you still wish to apply and register, please do so online. Please note, due to the pandemic delays, review of paper and digital based applications have been delayed compared to the normal standards and will hopefully improve with time. 

Applying your T3010

In submitting your  Form T3010, Registered Charity Information Return, please note that the filing deadline has been extended to December 31st, 2020. The form is due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The easiest way to submit this form is online through My Business Account for charities 

Staying Compliant 

In understanding the amount of work and support our charities do for our communities, the CRA wants to make sure that they are able to provide support during this difficult time of the pandemic. In resuming all compliance activities to keep the public and employees safe, an education-first approach will be maintained to compliance. 

Auditing 

With respect to auditing, the CRA’s Charities Directorate will be requesting charities to resume ongoing charity audits, initiate the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy post-payment audits and begin new audits. 

Charity Revocations 

With the many customers H&T Accounting Services work with, we encourage everyone to continue staying compliant with all the requirements of their registered charities. Failure to comply has implications and your registration may be revoked. During this time, the CRA has resumed processing revocations for failure to comply with charity requirements. Please remember revocations will relate to reporting periods that predate the pandemic months. The CRA will be sending out multiple notices that will need to be addressed and if they believe that the registration needs to be revoked for whatever reason, they will send out a letter in the mail stating why, also explaining your rights for objection and appeal.

H&T Accounting Services understand that keeping up with all these changing regulations and procedures can be frustrating at times, however, we are here to assist you every step of the way! Do not hesitate any longer, reach an expert today!