Getting Started

Getting started

This section of the Charity Filing Guide helps you get started on the job of completing the T3010-1 information return. Completing the return can be a daunting prospect. It's detailed, involves numbers, the language can be confusing, and the stakes are high. But it has to be done.

The two sections in this area of the website, Gathering information and Things to Remember, provide checklists and tips to help you pull together what you need before you begin to complete the forms in the information return.

You should receive the T3010-1 Information Return package in the mail about a month before your charity's fiscal year-end. If you do not receive the forms before your fiscal year-end, call CRA. It is your responsibility to file. Be sure that CRA has an up-to-date mailing address for your charity. Many small and rural charities buy a post office box to use as a mailing address. This way the charity has one address for all the mail it receives.

Links to information on this page

Approaching the task
Points to keep in mind
Links to other pages in the Charity Filing Guide
Links to the CRA website

Approaching the task

With experience, many volunteers find it takes a good day or two all told to complete the forms in the information return. Tracking down the information you need may take longer.

  • Approach the task as a learning experience. Take the time to read the forms and Guide T4033-1 Completing the Registered Charity Information Return before you start.
  • Note confusing terms or questions you don't understand. Use the Charities Directorate website or call CRA to get clarification.
  • Use the previous year's form as a guide to help you track where the numbers in your financial reports end up on Form T3010-1.
  • Note what you did so that you’ll remember next year, or so that you can explain your reasoning process to your board or a CRA representative.

Get an early start, take your time, ask questions, keep good notes, and work away at it. Do an hour or two a day, work section by section. It's doable.

Points to keep in mind

  • Reduce the pressure: begin as soon as possible. Information will be easier to find if it's fresh in your mind. The task will be easier to complete in small chunks.
  • Don't hesitate to call CRA if you need help - they are the experts.
  • Allow time to gather information, for example it can take a while to track down board members if you need birth date information.
  • Give it your best shot. If you've done the research and you’re still not sure, record the reasoning behind your judgment calls.

See other pages in the Charity Filing Guide

See Gathering Information for lists of things you need pull together to complete the T3010-1 information return.

See Things to Remember for reminder lists of important items.

See Keeping on Track for tips to make filing easier next year.

See Websites and Organizations for links to websites and groups that may be able to help.

See the Charity Filing Guide Glossary for definitions of key terms.

Links to the CRA website

Charities Directorate website
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities/

Guide T4033-1 Completing the Registered Charity Information Return
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/T4033-1/README.html