What is the difference between a registered charity and a nonprofit organization?
A registered charity is exempt from most taxes, and can issue tax deduction receipts. A nonprofit orrganization has tax-exempt status only. There is no difference between non-profit, nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations. It is a matter of style only. A registered Canadian charity must file an annual financial information form T3010, together with its financial statements, with the Canada Revenue Agency. T3010 forms are kept on file for five years. Canada Revenue Agency holds the financial statements of registered charities in confidence, and does not release them to the public. They may be obtained only from the charitable organization itself. However, the T3010 form filed, annually by a charity, is a public document (unlike the T1044 form for a nonprofit organization). Canada Revenue Agency now makes the following information publicly available about registered charities: • a charity’s governing documents (i.e., the letters patent, articles of incorporation, trust deed, constitu
