Going Digital With CRA
Greater efficiency and reduced overhead expenses. It’s a common goal for Canadian charities and our donors are asking that charities be thoughtful with administrative expenses. Yet, nearly 80% of charities are still filing their T3010 Registered Charity Information Return by paper. This process takes significant time for each organisation, and triggers a costly cycle of manual data entry and error correction for the federal government. It is no longer benefitting anyone.
With this in mind, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is expanding the plan for charities to file T3010 information returns online. T3010 returns can be completed directly in the CRA portal or by using CRA certified third party software and uploading it to the CRA portal.
Online filing will save organisations time; the online service is faster than printing and mailing or faxing your return. It will improve data accuracy, thereby strengthening the sector’s knowledge base.
This process is secure and efficient with the charity receiving immediate confirmation and the public portion of your financial information available on the CRA website the next day.
To get started, if you have not already done so, create a My Business Account (MyBA) for use by you or another employee, or a Represent a Client (RAC) account for use by an appointed representative.
Your software-generated return can then be filed directly online. No more stamps!
If you need help accessing online services, CRA suggests that you:
- Consult Access our online services for charities
- Watch the webinar Registering for your CRA Account: A step-by-step guide for charities
- Or contact the Charities Directorate client service team at 1-800-267-2384 Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, Eastern time.
In addition, Imagine Canada, in collaboration with the CRA, is hosting a series of free webinars to help charities make the most of online filing. These sessions will explore:
- Why online filing matters for your organisation and the sector as a whole
- Common barriers to adoption – and practical solutions
- New options and updates for 2025
- How online filing can improve data quality, public transparency, and reduce administrative burden
Interested? Check out: Boosting Online Filing in Canada’s Charitable Sector Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.
AFP Canada encourages each registered charity to take this digital leap. Let’s be leaders in our sector, and embrace the efficiencies that this opportunity presents.
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