Government proposes extending 2024 donation tax claim deadline

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OTTAWA — In response to calls from charities and provincial premiers, the federal government plans to extend the deadline for writing off donations for the 2024 tax year.

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But while the move comes as charities — and Canadians — end a disastrously unaffordable year, there are questions whether the legislation required to amend the Income Tax Act can be passed.

On Monday, a statement from Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the government would introduce legislation once Parliament returns in the new year to extend the deadline from Tuesday to Feb. 28, 2025.

“This extension recognizes the impact that the Canada Post service disruption had on their fundraising campaigns, and will give charities additional time to receive and process donations so that they can continue their vital work,” LeBlanc said in a statement.

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Since work stoppages halted mail delivery across Canada, charities have called on the government to extend the deadline for the 2024 tax year.

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Salvation Army spokesperson Lt.-Col. John Murray said last week that their holiday fundraising dropped by half this year, thanks to the strike. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for Ottawa to act, issuing a statement saying that charities rely on Christmas and holiday donations for much of their yearly revenue.

Despite Monday’s announcement, the amendments needed would require legislation to be tabled in the House of Commons — currently paralyzed by a months-long opposition privilege motion over the Trudeau Liberals’ refusal to comply with an order to turn over documents related to the green slush fund scandal.

As well, the looming possibility of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proroguing Parliament ahead of a threatened government-toppling confidence motion further reduces the possibility of this proposal ever becoming policy.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume

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