Application review process

When we first receive an application, we verify that it is complete (all the information and documents requested on the application form are included).

• If an application is complete, we send the applicant an acknowledgement letter. The letter states the approximate amount of time it will take before the application is assigned to an officer for review.

• If an application is incomplete, we reject it and return it to the applicant.

If we need clarification or more information

We may contact the applicant for more information and documentation to help us decide on an application. We may also offer the applicant the opportunity to amend its purposes so that they accurately reflect its activities. Generally, the applicant will have 60 days to respond. If the applicant:

• provides us with a response that fails to show that its purposes and activities are charitable, we will likely deny the application, and will provide a written final decision.

• believes that it has already provided all the required information, it can notify us in writing and we will provide a written final decision.

• does not provide a response, we will consider its application abandoned and its file will be closed without further notice. An applicant does not have the right to appeal a decision to close an application because the applicant was not officially denied registration.

If we refuse to register

If we determine that an applicant's purposes or activities are clearly not charitable, we will send a letter stating that we have denied the applicant registration.

If we deny registration, an applicant can appeal the decision by filing a notice of objection to the following address within 90 days of the day our letter was mailed:

If we approve registration

If we approve registration, we will send a notice of registration. This notice includes an organization's:

• rights and responsibilities as a registered charity
• registration number
• effective date of registration

The notice of registration should be kept in a safe place - accessible to all authorized representatives of the charity.

Avoiding delays

Missing information causes delays. To avoid delays:

• answer all questions on Form T2050, Application to Register a Charity Under the Income Tax Act

• include all required documents

• provide all details and specific information requested

Common delays occur when an applicant fails to provide:

• a complete list of the directors, trustees, or like officials (with each person's address, telephone number, and date of birth)

• a complete set of certified governing documents (including any bylaws and amendments, if applicable)

• a certificate of good standing or similar document from the appropriate registrar (if the organization has been incorporated for five years or more, or if the organization is incorporated and applying for re-registration)

• complete financial information about the organization (this includes completing Q17 on the application form, as well as providing the organization's latest financial statements, if applicable)

• a complete description of the organization's activities to show that they are charitable and fulfill the organization's purposes, as stated in its governing documents

• copies of any agreements or contracts the organization has with representatives carrying out the organization's activities inside or outside Canada (if applicable) and complete details about these arrangements. See Canadian Registered Charities Carrying Out Activities Outside Canada for more information

References

• How to apply for charitable registration
• Describing your activities
• What is a governing document?

Date modified:

2017-06-19