Register a charity in Canada
How do I register a charity and issue tax receipts?
Charitable registration and issuing official donation receipts are distinct tasks. Apply through the CRA charity account, then follow the receipting rules applicable to registered charities.
Where to begin
- Read the registration criteria and prepare the organization’s governing documents and activity descriptions.
- Apply through the CRA charity account and supply the applicable supporting documents.
- Track the application status. Before issuing an official receipt, confirm registration and the gift’s eligible amount.
Before you open the official service
- Governing documents
- Activities and applicable financial statements
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Creating a non-profit organization does not by itself establish permission to issue charitable tax receipts. CRA makes the registration decision.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
canada.ca · Official websiteCRA — Apply to become a registered charityApply online through the charity account in the CRA account. Prepare applicable governing documents, activity descriptions, agreements and financial statements; track progress in the RR account.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.