The federal government says it plans to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on 2024 tax returns.
Ottawa intends to move the Dec. 31 deadline to the end of February, federal officials announced in a Monday news release.
It is something charities across Canada have been calling for following the month-long Canada Post strike.
Many charities have recorded significant declines in mail-in donations during what is typically a busy time of the year.
“Charities are at the heart of communities across Canada, lending a helping hand to those in need,” Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in the release.
“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.”
The federal government said it will introduce legislation to make these changes official once Parliament returns in the new year.
Figures provided by the federal government show there are about 86,000 registered charities across the country.
Federal tax assistance for donations to charities and other qualified donees is projected to be almost $5 billion for 2024.
