This comprehensive episode, Stay On The CRA's Good Side, outlines the essential requirements for Canadian registered charities to maintain compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

It covers the CRA Charities Directorate's oversight role, detailing how they monitor compliance through various methods like T3010 screening and audits, and lists common triggers for reviews.

The episode emphasizes annual T3010 filing obligations, including deadlines, required schedules, and frequent errors to avoid, while also explaining the serious consequences of non-compliance.

Furthermore, it clarifies financial management requirements such as record-keeping, disbursement quota obligations, and acceptable expenditures, and details the strict rules for issuing donation receipts, including mandatory elements and common pitfalls.

Finally, the episode addresses rules around political activities, compliant business operations, working with non-qualified donees, and the necessity of notifying the CRA of organizational changes, concluding with advice on audit preparation and responding to compliance concerns.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Corporation
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

This episode comprehensively outlines the severe repercussions for Canadian registered charities that fail to file their annual T3010 Registered Charity Information Return on time. It explains that this critical document serves as a public accountability mechanism, reporting an organization's activities, finances, and governance. The discussion details immediate consequences like penalties and damage to public standing, escalating to the terrifying threat of charity registration revocation, which can lead to the loss of tax benefits and forced asset transfer. Furthermore, it highlights the devastating financial and operational impacts of non-compliance, emphasizing reputational damage and the paralysis an organization faces. Ultimately, the episode stresses that prevention through robust compliance systems is paramount to avoid organizational catastrophe and preserve a charity's mission.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario and across Canada with all their financial and tax filing needs, including of course timely T3010 filings.

Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Corporation
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

This episode offers a comprehensive guide on improving nonprofit and charity board meetings, transforming them from tedious obligations into productive and engaging sessions.

It emphasizes the importance of defining a clear purpose for each meeting and starting with emotional connection rather than immediate financial discussions.

Key strategies include mastering the consent agenda to streamline routine matters, facilitating interactive conversations over monologues, and assigning clear roles for efficient time management.

The discussion concludes by stressing the necessity of crystal-clear action items and ending with genuine gratitude to foster continued engagement and build a stronger organizational culture.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Corporation
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

This episode helps Ontario nonprofits understand the key differences between incorporating under Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and the federal Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA).

It clarifies that neither option is universally better and the best choice depends on the organization's specific needs and operational plans.

It highlights distinctions regarding director requirements, membership voting rights, financial standards, filing obligations, and public information disclosure.

The discussion also confirms that organizations must choose one structure, though switching is possible, and that ONCA-incorporated nonprofits can still operate and fundraise across Canada while adhering to local regulations.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

This episode offers a guide to effective fundraising strategies specifically tailored for new charities operating in Canada.

It provides practical advice on various approaches, including online campaigns, events, monthly giving programs, grant applications, social media engagement, and corporate partnerships.

The discussion also emphasizes the importance of clearly defining a charity's mission and vision and the value of donor recognition and appreciation.

Overall, this resource helps guide new charities to secure funding and build lasting relationships with supporters.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

The episode explains that registered charities in Canada must meet specific obligations to maintain their status, as failing to do so can lead to serious repercussions.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses a graduated scale of enforcement, starting with education and potentially progressing to compliance agreements.

More severe non-compliance can result in sanctions, such as financial penalties or the suspension of the right to issue donation receipts.

The most extreme consequence is the revocation of charitable status, which leads to the loss of tax benefits, required asset dispersal, and significant damage to public perception.

The discussion emphasizes that proactive compliance through accurate filings, adherence to rules, proper record-keeping, and good governance is essential, and highlights the valuable role a charity lawyer plays in navigating these complexities and ensuring compliance.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Firm
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

This episode outlines several key scenarios where fundraising activities by registered charities in Canada can be deemed unacceptable by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This includes situations where fundraising becomes a primary focus instead of supporting the charitable mission, results in excessive private benefits, or involves activities that are illegal or contrary to public policy.

Additionally, fundraising is considered unacceptable if it is deceptive in any way or if it utilizes an unrelated business not permitted for charities.

Engaging in these practices can jeopardize a charity's registered status.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Firm
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

This episode explains the key differences between non-profit and charitable organizations in Canada, emphasizing that charitable organizations can issue tax receipts, unlike non-profits.

It highlights that incorporation is not required for either but is strongly recommended for legal and name protection benefits.

The discussion also outlines how a non-profit obtains charitable status by applying to the CRA and provides examples of each type of organization.

Furthermore, it details the general requirements for incorporating and the importance of a Nuans report in the process.

Finally, it notes that non-profit organizations are generally exempt from income tax.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Firm
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/