Harper Government encourages Canadians to support their communities and take full advantage of tax benefits

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, September 10, 2013....The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, today encouraged Canadians to support their local communities and take advantage of the Harper Government’s tax relief measures, including the Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit, and the newly introduced First-time Donor’s Super Credit.

"Our Government wants to foster and promote Canada’s culture of giving and we hope that these tax relief measures will encourage Canadians, especially youth, to get involved in giving to great charities in Canada,” said Minister Findlay. “These tax credits show our Government’s commitment to supporting hard-working Canadians, helping them save money wherever they can.”

Volunteer firefighters play an essential role in their communities, ensuring the health and safety of their fellow citizens. In 2011, the Harper Government introduced the Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit to recognize their dedication and service to Canadian communities.

The Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit available to certain volunteer firefighters who serve at least 200 hours per year at one or more fire departments beginning on January 1, 2011. Services that make up those 200 hours include responding to and being on call for firefighting and other emergencies, attending meetings at the fire department, and taking courses in preventing and putting out fires. When eligible firefighters claim the credit, they can reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay by as much as $450.

In response to the Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving in Canada, a report of the Standing Committee on Finance, the First-time Donor’s Super Credit was introduced as part of Economic Action Plan 2013 to encourage new donors to give to charity. This new credit makes donating to a charity more attractive for Canadians who are making donations for the first time.

“I am pleased that our Government has introduced these tax relief measures, which will support those who are volunteer firefighters and make giving to charities in our community more attractive to those who have been considering a donation,” said M.P. Block. “We will continue to find ways to support generous individuals who take the time and make the effort to support their communities.”

Donations made by first-time donors after March 20, 2013, now qualify for the First-time Donor’s Super Credit. Individuals qualify as first-time donors if neither they nor their spouse or common-law partner has claimed the charitable donation tax credit since 2007. The First-time Donor’s Super Credit provides an extra 25% credit in addition to the Charitable Donation Tax Credit. This means that donors can get a 40% federal credit for monetary donations of $200 or less, and a 54% federal credit for the portion of donations that are over $200, up to $1,000. This is in addition to the provincial credit.

The Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit and the First-time Donor’s Super Credit are part of the Harper Government’s strong record of providing tax relief to Canadians. Thanks to these efforts the average family of four now receives more than $3,200 annually in extra tax savings. The federal tax burden for all Canadians is now the lowest it’s been in half a century.

For more information about the Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/firefighter

More information about the First-time Donor’s Super Credit is available on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Web site or the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan Web site.

Donate wisely by researching registered Canadian charities using the CRA’s Charities Listings before you donate. For more information about donating to charities, go to www.cra.gc.ca/donors.

Canada Revenue Agency

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