calculate your charitable tax credit. There are two charitable tax credit rates for both the federal government and the provinces and territories. Any eligible amount you give above $200 qualifies you for a higher rate. The following example shows how to use the rate table.
Danielle lives in the province of Saskatchewan and donated $400 in 2013 to registered charities:
The federal charitable tax credit rate is 15% on the first $200 and 29% on the remaining $200. Her federal tax credit is therefore (15% × $200) + (29% × 200) = $88.
The provincial charitable tax credit rates for Saskatchewan for 2013 are 11% on the first $200 and 15% on the remaining $200. Therefore her provincial tax credit is (11% × $200) + (15% × $200) = $52.
Her combined charitable tax credit is ($88 + $52) = $140.
Tax savings
This is a non-refundable tax credit. As such, it can only be used to reduce tax owed; if you don't owe any tax, you don't get a refund. Generally, your tax savings will be equal to the amount of the charitable tax credit calculated. The following are exceptions: