Government announces extension of 2024 charitable donations to February 28, 2025
On December 30, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, along with the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the federal government intends to amend the Income Tax Act to extend the deadline for making donations eligible for tax support in the 2024 tax year, until February 28, 2025. To read the full news release click here.
On December 18, AFP Canada sent a letter urging the federal government to offer flexibility on the donation deadline, mirroring the treatment of contributions to Registered Retirement Saving Plans in those same months. Knowing that charity resources are limited, AFP asked the federal government to offer this solution in the interest of Canada’s charities and the generous people who donate to them.
The postal strike has had a real and significant impact on charities across our country. Although postal services have now resumed, the disruption and backlog of deliveries come at the worst possible time—during the most critical fundraising period of the year, especially for mail-based campaigns. This delay means many donation requests will not reach donors in time for them to respond in 2024. As a result, donations intended to support those in need will be significantly delayed, further straining the resources of charities during a time when their services are needed most.