Revocation of Charity Registrations

Summary#

On July 3, 2021, the Canada Revenue Agency published notices under the Income Tax Act listing a number of registered charities whose registrations are being revoked. Some revocations follow missed filing requirements; others were requested because the charities merged or consolidated. The revocations are effective on the date of publication (July 3, 2021).

What it does#

• The Canada Revenue Agency is publishing formal notices of intended revocation of charity registrations under the Income Tax Act.
• One group of charities is listed because they did not meet filing requirements. Examples include EAST PLAINS CO-OPERATIVE PRE-SCHOOL CORPORATION (Burlington, ON) and RAINBOW LAKE FAMILY CENTRE (Rainbow Lake, AB). Their revocations are effective July 3, 2021.
• A second group asked to have their registration revoked because they consolidated or merged with other organizations. Examples include FORT MACLEOD CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES (Fort Macleod, AB) and CITY NEW LIFE CHURCH IN CALGARY (Calgary, AB). Their revocations are also effective July 3, 2021.
• The notices list many specific charities by business number and location. This publication is the CRA’s required public notice of those proposed revocations.

Who's affected#

• The registered charities named in the lists. The Gazette item gives the business number and location for each.
• People and communities that receive services from those charities — clients, volunteers, employees and local partners.
• Donors who support these organizations may be affected if a charity loses its registered status. It is unclear from this notice alone how each charity’s day-to-day operations or donor receipting will be handled; affected parties should check directly with the organizations or the Canada Revenue Agency.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered status changes a charity’s official standing under the Income Tax Act and can affect its ability to issue official donation receipts for tax purposes. That can matter to donors who plan to claim charitable tax credits.
• For charities that merged, the revocation is typically administrative, but it can signal a change in how local services are organized or delivered.
• For communities that rely on these groups, the notices are an early sign to check whether services will continue, move to another provider, or change in scope.