Federal Government Extends Deadline for Claiming Charitable Donations on Tax Returns

The federal government has announced plans to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February. This move comes in response to a call from the premiers for Justin Trudeau’s government to take action.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc made the announcement, citing the need to address the impact of the recent Canada Post strike on charitable donations. Charities have reported significant declines in mail-in donations during what is typically their busiest time of year, as the strike prevented donors from sending cheques through the mail.

One notable example is The Salvation Army, which reported a drop of more than 50 per cent in holiday donations this year. The extension of the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns is expected to help alleviate some of the financial strain that charities are facing as a result of the strike.

The Finance Department has stated that the government will introduce legislation to implement these changes once Parliament resumes in the new year. Members of Parliament are scheduled to return on January 27, although the duration of the Liberal minority government’s tenure remains uncertain.

Overall, the extension of the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns is a welcome development for charities and donors alike. By providing more time for individuals to submit their donations, the government is taking steps to support the important work that charities do in our communities.