Charity organizations in Canada are not fully exempt from sales tax. The rules can be confusing.

While registered charities do not pay income tax, they must still deal with GST/HST on many goods and services they buy and sell. The federal government provides some tax breaks and rebates.

Charities need to understand when they must charge tax, when they can claim refunds, and when certain activities qualify for exemptions. The relationship between charities and sales tax involves multiple factors.

Registration requirements depend on the organization's revenue and activities. Some supplies that charities make are exempt from GST/HST, while others are taxable.

Charities may also qualify for rebates that recover part of the tax they pay on purchases. Understanding these rules helps charity organizations stay compliant and avoid unexpected tax bills.

This article breaks down how GST/HST applies to charities, what exemptions exist, and how to handle registration and reporting. It also covers common situations like fundraising events, donations, and property transactions.

Charity Organizations and Sales Tax Exemption in Canada

Registered charities in Canada face specific rules regarding GST and HST. Some activities qualify for exemption while others remain taxable.

The Canada Revenue Agency administers these tax requirements. These rules differ from income tax exemptions.

Overview of GST and HST for Charities

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) apply to most transactions in Canada, including those involving registered charities. The Canada Revenue Agency does not provide blanket sales tax exemptions to charities just because they are registered.

Charities must pay GST/HST on most purchases they make, though they can claim rebates on eligible expenses. Registered charities may need to register for GST/HST if their taxable supplies exceed specific thresholds.

The small supplier limit for charities uses a gross revenue test with a threshold of $250,000 per fiscal year. Charities that remain below this limit in either of their two previous fiscal years do not need to register.

When charities do register, they must collect and remit GST/HST on taxable supplies they provide. They can claim input tax credits on business-related purchases and access a public service bodies' rebate of 50% on eligible non-creditable GST/HST paid.

Criteria for Sales Tax Exemption

Registered charities receive tax-exempt status for specific types of supplies, not a complete exemption from all sales tax. The exemptions apply to particular activities and revenue sources defined by the Excise Tax Act.

Donations and gifts to charities are not subject to GST/HST because they are not considered supplies under tax law. The donor receives nothing of value in exchange for the donation.

Grants and subsidies received by charities also fall outside the scope of GST/HST. Government funding to charities typically does not attract GST/HST.

Sponsorship arrangements may involve taxable supplies if the sponsor receives advertising or promotional benefits in return. These require careful analysis.

Definition of Taxable and Exempt Supplies

Charities deal with three types of supplies under GST/HST law: exempt supplies, taxable supplies, and zero-rated supplies. Understanding the differences helps organizations manage their tax obligations and maximize savings.

Exempt supplies are goods and services that charities provide without charging GST/HST. Common exempt supplies for charities include:

• Most charitable programme services delivered directly to beneficiaries
• Certain educational services
• Healthcare services provided by qualifying organizations
• Supplies of used donated goods

Taxable supplies require charities to collect and remit GST/HST at applicable rates. These include:

• Commercial activities such as retail sales of new merchandise
• Rental income from commercial properties
• Admission fees to certain events
• Sales of goods or services in competition with commercial businesses

Zero-rated supplies are a special category that many charities overlook. Zero-rated supplies are technically taxable, but the tax rate is 0%. This distinction creates a significant financial advantage.

Zero-rated supplies include:

• Basic groceries
• Prescription drugs and certain medical devices
• Exports of goods and services
• Certain agricultural and fishing products

Why zero-rated supplies matter for charities: When a charity makes exempt supplies, it cannot claim input tax credits on related purchases. The charity pays GST/HST on those expenses without recovery, though the public service bodies' rebate may provide 50% relief.

However, when a charity makes zero-rated supplies, it charges 0% tax AND can claim full input tax credits on all related purchases. This means the charity recovers 100% of the GST/HST it paid on expenses tied to zero-rated activities.

Example: A charity runs a food bank that distributes basic groceries (zero-rated supplies). The charity can claim full input tax credits on the GST/HST it pays for warehouse rent, delivery vehicles, and other operating costs. This creates substantial savings compared to exempt activities.

Many charity treasurers miss this opportunity because zero-rated and exempt supplies seem similar—neither requires charging tax to customers. The key difference lies in the ability to recover input tax credits.

Charities cannot claim input tax credits on purchases related to exempt supplies. They pay GST/HST on these expenses without recovery, though the public service bodies' rebate may provide partial relief.

GST/HST Rules for Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

Charities and non-profit organizations in Canada face specific GST/HST obligations. These differ from regular businesses and include special exemptions, rebates, and registration thresholds based on revenue and activities.

The CRA treats registered charities and qualifying NPOs differently under tax law. Relief is offered through PSB rebates and small supplier provisions.

GST/HST Obligations for Registered Charities

Registered charities must charge GST/HST on taxable supplies they make, even though they are exempt from income tax. They collect tax on goods and services sold in commercial activities.

Many charity activities qualify as exempt supplies, meaning no GST/HST applies to these transactions. Charities cannot claim input tax credits on purchases related to exempt supplies.

When they buy goods or services to support exempt activities, the GST/HST paid becomes a cost to the organization. The CRA defines commercial activity as business operations that generate taxable revenue, excluding exempt supplies and activities without a reasonable expectation of profit.

Registered charities must register for GST/HST if they exceed the small supplier threshold. Once registered, they charge 5% GST in most provinces or the HST rate in participating provinces.

The HST rate varies from 13% to 15% depending on the province.

GST/HST Rules for NPOs Versus Charities

The CRA applies different rules to NPOs compared to registered charities. NPOs that are not registered charities face stricter exemption rules and may qualify for fewer tax benefits.

Both groups can access exempt supply provisions, but the scope differs based on their activities and registration status. Qualifying NPOs receive certain exemptions on supplies like membership fees, meal services to members, and fundraising activities.

These exemptions reduce their GST/HST burden. NPOs must still charge GST/HST on taxable supplies outside these exemptions.

Registered charities benefit from broader exemptions than non-registered NPOs. They can issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes, which NPOs cannot do unless they hold charity status.

This distinction affects how each organization handles donations and gifts under GST/HST rules.

PSB Rebates and Tax Credits

The public service bodies (PSB) rebate allows charities to recover a portion of GST/HST paid on eligible purchases. Registered charities can claim a 50% rebate on GST/HST paid for goods and services used in non-commercial activities.

This rebate helps offset costs when organizations cannot claim full input tax credits. Charities that are GST/HST registrants can claim input tax credits for purchases related to commercial activities.

They use the PSB rebate for expenses tied to exempt activities. Organizations cannot claim both an input tax credit and a PSB rebate on the same expense.

The rebate calculation requires charities to track expenses carefully. They must separate costs between commercial and non-commercial activities.

The CRA provides specific forms and reporting requirements for claiming PSB rebates. Charities file these based on their reporting period.

Small Supplier Threshold and GST/HST Registration

Charities qualify as small suppliers if their gross revenue from taxable supplies does not exceed $50,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. A separate test applies based on total gross revenue of $250,000 or less in either of the two previous fiscal years.

Understanding whether your charity needs to register requires a two-step evaluation:

Step 1: Taxable Supplies Test

• Calculate your taxable supplies (excluding exempt and zero-rated supplies) over the past four calendar quarters
• If this amount is $50,000 or less, you pass this test
• If it exceeds $50,000, you must register within 29 days

Step 2: Gross Revenue Test

• Calculate your total gross revenue (all revenue from any source, including donations, grants, investment income, and property income) for each of your two previous fiscal years
• If both years are $250,000 or less, you pass this test
• If either year exceeds $250,000, you must register within 29 days

Your charity qualifies as a small supplier only if it passes BOTH tests. If you exceed either threshold, registration becomes mandatory.

Small suppliers do not have to register for GST/HST, though they can register voluntarily. The gross revenue test includes business income, donations, grants, gifts, property income, and investment income.

Charities in their first fiscal year do not need to register. In the second fiscal year, they calculate revenue from the first year to determine small supplier status.

Once a charity exceeds these thresholds, it must register for GST/HST within 29 days. Registration requires the organisation to start charging and remitting GST/HST on taxable supplies.

The CRA assigns a GST/HST account number that appears on all tax documents and invoices.

Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Requirements

Charitable organizations and non-profits in Canada must meet specific registration standards with the Canada Revenue Agency. They must also fulfill ongoing reporting obligations.

These requirements include tax filing, financial reporting, and detailed record-keeping to maintain tax-exempt status.

Registering as a Charity or NPO with the CRA

Organizations seeking tax-exempt status must register with the Canada Revenue Agency. Registered charities apply through the CRA's Charities Directorate.

They must show they operate exclusively for charitable purposes such as relieving poverty, advancing education, or benefiting the community. The application process requires detailed documentation about the organization's activities, governance structure, and financial plans.

Organizations must show they will devote their resources to charitable activities and meet specific legal requirements under the Income Tax Act.

Key registration requirements include:

• Written governing documents outlining charitable purposes
• Details about directors and organizational structure
• Description of planned activities and programs
• Financial information and funding sources

Non-profit organizations that do not register as charities can still qualify for income tax exemptions. They must operate exclusively for non-profit purposes without distributing income to members.

The CRA evaluates each organization based on its structure and activities.

Tax Filing and Information Returns

Registered charities must file a T3010 Registered Charity Information Return annually within six months of their fiscal year-end. This form requires detailed financial information, program descriptions, and information about directors and key personnel.

Missing the filing deadline triggers automatic penalties and can lead to revocation of charitable status. Non-profit organizations file a T1044 Non-Profit Organization Information Return within six months of their fiscal year-end.

This applies even when the organization qualifies for income tax exemption. The information return includes total revenues and expenses, assets and liabilities, and details about activities and programs.

Organizations registered for GST/HST must file separate tax returns based on their annual taxable revenue. Those with revenue under $500,000 typically file annually, while larger organizations file quarterly or monthly.

Charities use Form GST34-2 or Form GST62 for these filings.

Financial Reporting Obligations

The Canada Revenue Agency requires charities and non-profits to maintain accurate financial records that reflect their operations. Organizations must report all revenues by source, including donations, grants, membership fees, and program income.

They must also detail expenditures on charitable activities, administration, and fundraising. Registered charities must meet specific disbursement requirements by spending a minimum amount on charitable activities each year.

They report these expenditures on the T3010 return along with explanations of programs and services provided. Organizations with both exempt and taxable activities must track these separately for proper GST/HST reporting.

This separation helps calculate partial rebates and input tax credits accurately. Provincial reporting requirements may also apply depending on where the organization operates or solicits donations.

Some provinces require separate registration and annual filings for organizations conducting fundraising activities.

Record-Keeping and CRA Compliance

Organizations must keep detailed records for all transactions, including receipts, invoices, bank statements, and donation records. The Canada Revenue Agency requires records to be retained for at least six years from the end of the tax year they relate to.

Proper documentation supports tax filings and demonstrates compliance with CRA regulations. Essential records include:

• Official donation receipts and donor information
• Financial statements and accounting records
• Minutes of board meetings and governance documents
• Contracts, agreements, and supporting documentation

The CRA conducts audits and reviews to verify compliance with tax rules and charitable activities. Organizations must provide requested documentation promptly during these reviews.

Non-compliance can result in penalties, loss of tax-exempt status, or revocation of charitable registration for serious violations. Charities must also maintain books of account showing GST/HST collected and paid, along with calculations for rebate claims.

These records support the 50% rebate on eligible purchases and help determine net tax obligations.

Fundraising, Donations, and Tax Implications

Charitable organizations handle different types of revenue that receive varying tax treatment under Canadian law. Fundraising activities, donation receipts, and commercial operations each follow specific GST/HST rules.

These rules affect how charities manage their finances and issue tax documentation.

GST/HST Treatment of Fundraising Activities

Most fundraising activities conducted by registered charities are exempt from GST/HST. This exemption covers typical fundraising events like charity dinners, auctions, and donation campaigns where the main purpose is to raise funds for charitable work.

Certain fundraising activities may be taxable. When a charity sells goods or services at fair market value without a clear donative intent, these transactions become taxable supplies.

The distinction depends on whether the transaction is primarily a sale or a donation. Government funding and grants received by charities are not subject to GST/HST.

These funds are considered outside the scope of GST/HST legislation because they do not constitute consideration for a taxable supply. Charities should track their fundraising activities separately from commercial operations.

This separation helps determine which revenues qualify for tax exemptions and which require GST/HST collection and remittance.

Donation Receipts and Sales Tax

Registered charities can issue official donation receipts for eligible gifts. These receipts relate to income tax, not sales tax.

The receipt allows donors to claim income tax deductions. It does not affect GST/HST obligations.

Split receipting applies when donors receive benefits in exchange for their contributions. The charity must calculate the value of the benefit and deduct it from the donation amount.

Only the eligible portion appears on the official receipt.

Sponsorships require careful evaluation. When a business receives advertising or promotional benefits in exchange for payment, the transaction may be a taxable supply instead of a donation.

The charity cannot issue a donation receipt for the portion that represents payment for advertising services.

Charities must distinguish between donations and payments for goods or services. This distinction determines both the ability to issue tax receipts and the GST/HST treatment of the transaction.

Commercial Activities and Taxable Revenue

Charities that engage in commercial activities may generate taxable income subject to GST/HST. These activities include operating retail stores or selling products that compete with commercial businesses.

Related business activities receive different treatment than unrelated businesses. A related business directly supports the charity's purposes or relies on volunteer labour.

These activities may qualify for preferential tax treatment.

Taxable commercial activities require:

• GST/HST registration if annual taxable revenue exceeds $50,000
• Collection of appropriate GST/HST on taxable supplies
• Regular filing of GST/HST returns
• Proper documentation of all commercial transactions

Charities can claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) on expenses related to commercial activities. They cannot claim ITCs for expenses used only in exempt activities.

Mixed-use expenses require allocation between taxable and exempt activities to determine the eligible ITC amount.

Payroll, Investments, and Other Revenue Sources

Charities must handle payroll obligations, investment earnings, and asset-based revenue according to specific tax rules. These income sources face different tax treatments than donation revenue.

Payroll Deductions and Employment Compliance

Charities must make payroll deductions for all employees. This includes Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from employee wages.

The charity acts as an employer and must remit both the employee and employer portions to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Charities cannot avoid payroll taxes even when they qualify for income tax exemptions. They must register for a payroll account if they pay salaries or wages.

This requirement applies whether the charity is registered or operates as a non-profit organization.

Employment compliance includes issuing T4 slips to employees and filing information returns. Charities face the same payroll deadlines and penalties as for-profit businesses.

Religious organizations and faith-based charities follow identical payroll rules.

Investment Income, Dividends, Interest, and Rentals

Investment income earned by charities is generally tax-exempt when the funds support the organization's charitable purpose. This includes dividends, interest, and capital gains from selling investments.

The charity must use these earnings to advance its mission, not distribute them to members or directors.

Rental income from property owned by a charity usually qualifies as exempt income. The property must support the charitable purpose or generate funds for charitable activities.

Charities cannot use rental properties mainly for private benefit.

The tax exemption on investment income applies only to registered charities. Non-profit organizations that are not registered charities may face tax on some investment earnings.

Charities must track all investment revenue and include it in their gross revenue calculations for GST/HST small supplier status.

Royalties, Assets, and Financial Management

Charities can earn royalties from intellectual property, publications, or other assets without losing tax-exempt status. These revenues must support the organization's charitable work.

The charity should manage royalty agreements to ensure they align with its mission and comply with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.

Asset management is important for maintaining tax exemptions. Charities must use their assets to further charitable purposes rather than generate excessive commercial income.

Unrelated business activities may create taxable income even for registered charities.

Financial management requires charities to keep detailed records of all revenue sources. Organizations must distinguish between different types of income for reporting purposes.

Proper asset tracking helps charities demonstrate compliance during Canada Revenue Agency audits and maintain their registered status.

Tax Planning, Best Practices, and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Charity organizations must balance tax exemptions with GST/HST obligations while maintaining accurate records. Strong financial management protects tax-exempt status and ensures resources serve charitable purposes instead of covering penalties or compliance costs.

Strategies for Effective Tax Planning

Effective tax planning starts with understanding which activities generate taxable or exempt supplies. Charities should document each revenue stream and classify it correctly to calculate net tax obligations accurately.

Organizations need to track GST/HST paid on all purchases throughout the year. This documentation supports input tax credit claims and the 50% rebate available to registered charities.

Without proper records, charities lose money they could recover.

Key planning strategies include:

• Reviewing supply classifications annually as programs change
• Timing major purchases to align with filing periods
• Separating accounts for taxable and exempt activities
• Consulting with tax professionals before launching commercial ventures

Many charities benefit from voluntary GST/HST registration even below the $50,000 threshold. This allows them to claim input tax credits on purchases when exempt supplies dominate their revenue mix.

Organizations making substantial taxable purchases should calculate whether registration reduces their overall tax burden.

The net tax calculation becomes simpler when organizations maintain separate accounting for different activity types. Clear financial management systems prevent confusion during filing periods and support accurate rebate claims.

Common Tax Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistake is misclassifying supplies as exempt when they are actually taxable. Fundraising event tickets, facility rentals, and merchandise sales often require GST/HST collection.

Charities that treat these as exempt may face penalties and back taxes.

Poor record-keeping creates serious tax challenges. Organizations must keep receipts, invoices, and documentation for at least six years.

Missing records prevent rebate claims and make audits difficult.

Common errors to avoid:

• Missing registration deadlines after exceeding the $50,000 threshold
• Claiming rebates on ineligible expenses like meals and entertainment
• Mixing personal and organizational expenses
• Failing to file returns on time even when no tax is owing
• Not updating CRA when contact information or signing authorities change

Many charities incorrectly assume all their activities qualify for tax exemptions. Commercial activities and unrelated business income remain taxable even for registered charities.

Organizations need to assess each revenue source separately.

Late filing creates unnecessary costs. The CRA charges penalties starting at $25 monthly for small organizations, with higher amounts for larger groups.

Setting calendar reminders prevents these avoidable expenses.

Ensuring Long-Term Financial Sustainability

Long-term sustainability requires charities to build tax compliance into their operational planning. Organizations should budget for professional accounting services when internal expertise is limited.

The cost of proper guidance is far less than penalties for errors.

Boards of directors need basic understanding of tax rules affecting their organization. Regular training helps leadership make informed decisions about new programs or revenue sources.

Directors should review GST/HST procedures annually.

Financial management systems must grow with the organization. As charities expand beyond the small supplier threshold, they need more robust accounting processes.

Investing in proper software and training protects against future compliance problems.

Sustainability practices include:

• Conducting annual reviews of tax exemptions and filing requirements
• Building compliance costs into program budgets
• Creating written procedures for GST/HST collection and remittance
• Maintaining adequate financial reserves for unexpected tax obligations

Organizations should assess their tax position before adding new revenue streams. A simple analysis determines whether a proposed activity is taxable and how it affects overall compliance requirements.

This planning prevents surprises during tax season.

Conclusion

Charity organizations in Canada face specific GST/HST rules that differ from regular businesses. Most supplies made by registered charities are exempt from GST/HST, including donations, fundraising events where part qualifies as a charitable donation, and many donated goods sales.

However, charities must charge GST/HST on certain taxable supplies like admissions to events, recreational activities, and sales of goods in charity stores.

Registered charities can claim the Public Service Bodies' Rebate to recover a portion of GST/HST paid on purchases, even when they don't charge tax on their supplies.

Whether a charity needs to register for GST/HST depends on meeting small supplier limits, which use either a gross revenue test ($250,000 threshold) or taxable supplies test ($50,000 threshold).

The rules around real property, input tax credits, and determining which supplies are exempt versus taxable can become complex quickly.

B&H Charity Accounting Firm helps charitable organizations navigate these GST/HST requirements and ensure compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations.

Our team understands the unique challenges charities face when managing tax obligations while focusing on their mission.

Contact us at (289) 301-8883 or visit charityaccountingfirm.ca to discuss your organization's specific situation.

Schedule a free consultation to learn how proper GST/HST management can benefit your charity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charities in Canada face specific rules about tax exemptions, sales tax collection, and rebate claims. The answers below clarify common questions about how GST/HST applies to charitable organizations.

Are charities tax exempt in Canada?

Registered charities do not pay income tax on their earnings in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency grants this exemption to organizations that hold registered charity status under the Income Tax Act.

However, tax-exempt status for income tax does not automatically mean exemption from all other taxes. Charities must still follow GST/HST rules when they buy or sell goods and services.

They may need to collect and remit sales tax depending on what they sell.

What is the tax exemption for donations?

Donations given to registered charities are not subject to GST/HST. The Canada Revenue Agency treats genuine donations as transfers of money without consideration, which means no goods or services are provided in exchange.

When a donor receives something of value in return, the transaction may not qualify as a true donation. If part of a payment is a donation and part is payment for goods or services, only the donation portion remains tax-exempt.

The remaining amount may be subject to GST/HST.

What is the most overlooked tax deduction in Canada?

Many charitable organizations overlook claiming Input Tax Credits on their business expenses. Registered charities that are also registered for GST/HST can claim ITCs to recover the sales tax they paid on eligible purchases.

The Public Service Bodies' Rebate is another commonly missed opportunity. Eligible charities can claim a rebate of 50% of the GST/HST they paid on purchases that relate to exempt activities.

Some charities qualify for both ITCs and rebates on different types of expenses.

Are registered charities exempt from paying sales tax in Canada?

Registered charities must pay GST/HST on most purchases they make. Being a charity does not exempt an organization from paying sales tax to suppliers.

Charities can recover some of this tax through Input Tax Credits if they are registered for GST/HST. They can also claim the Public Service Bodies' Rebate on eligible expenses.

The rebate amount is 50% of the GST paid and varies for the HST portion depending on the province.

Can charities avoid charging sales tax on goods or services they sell?

Most supplies made by charities are exempt from GST/HST. Exempt supplies include donation-based revenue, most fundraising activities where admission qualifies as a charitable donation, and sales of real property by charities.

Some supplies made by charities are taxable and require GST/HST collection. Taxable supplies include commercial sales of goods, certain services, and admission to events where no part qualifies as a charitable donation.

Charities must determine the tax status of each type of supply they make.

How can a charity claim a GST/HST rebate in Canada?

Charities claim rebates by filing the appropriate forms with the Canada Revenue Agency. The Public Service Bodies' Rebate application requires documentation of eligible expenses and the GST/HST paid on those purchases.

Registered charities can claim a rebate of 50% of the GST paid on eligible purchases. They can also claim a portion of the HST paid, which varies by province.

Charities must track their expenses carefully. They should separate costs related to taxable activities from those related to exempt activities to calculate the correct rebate amount.

Legal Sources & References

• Exempt Supplies: Excise Tax Act, Schedule V (Lists healthcare, educational, and charity exemptions).
• Zero-Rated Supplies: Excise Tax Act, Schedule VI (Lists groceries, medical devices, exports).
• CRA Guide RC4022: General Information for GST/HST Registrants (The official guide on how the $250k vs $50k thresholds work).