Calculate your federal + provincial donation tax credit and find out what your generosity actually costs after tax.
Combining with spouse / common-law partner?
You can pool donations with your spouse on one return to maximize the above-$200 credit rate
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Canada's charitable donation tax credit works differently from a deduction — it directly reduces the tax you owe, not just your taxable income. The federal credit is calculated at 15% on the first $200 and 29% (or 33% for high earners) on amounts above $200. Each province adds its own credit on top.
Each taxpayer gets only one $200 threshold. If you and your spouse each donate $200 separately, you each get the 15% rate on $200. But if one person claims $400 combined, $200 is at 15% and $200 is at the much higher 29%+ rate — saving more tax overall. CRA allows spouses to pool donations on either return.
Unused donation tax credits can be carried forward for up to 5 years. This is useful if your income (and therefore tax owing) is higher in future years, or if you want to accumulate several years of donations to cross the $200 threshold for the higher credit rate.
You can claim donations up to 75% of your net income (Line 23600) in any given year. In the year of death, the limit increases to 100%. Any donations exceeding the annual limit can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
Donating publicly traded securities (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds) directly to a registered charity is one of Canada's most powerful tax strategies. You pay zero capital gains tax on the appreciation, and you receive a donation receipt for the full fair market value. Compared to selling the securities and donating cash, this can save thousands in capital gains tax — especially after the 2024 inclusion rate increase.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 federal and provincial charitable donation tax credit rates. Actual credits depend on your complete tax situation and may be affected by provincial surtaxes or other factors. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice. Always verify a charity's CRA registration before donating.