Registering a charity in Canada | Why you should seek advice from a charity lawyer when applying for charitable status registration
Navigating the process of applying to the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for charitable status registration can be a complex and daunting task.
Whether you are starting a new charity from the ground up or applying on behalf of an existing not-for-profit organization, it is essential to understand the intricacies involved. This is where seeking the advice of a knowledgeable charity lawyer becomes essential.
A charity lawyer can help you understand the application process and position your organization to meet CRA’s requirements for charitable status registration. They will ensure that your organization’s governing documents and purposes satisfy the requirements of a charity and can guide you through the amendments necessary to position your organization for its best chance at success.
Unsuccessfully applying for charitable status without first seeking legal advice can create future issues for your organization. Should you wish to apply again, your organization’s previous application will need to be disclosed, and the original reasons that your application was rejected will need to be overcome.
Seeking the advice of a charity lawyer from the outset can help your organization avoid placing itself in this precarious situation. This not only increases the chances of successfully receiving charitable status, but it also helps avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
Beyond giving your organization its best chance at successfully becoming a registered charity, a charity lawyer can also help ensure that your organization is compliant with applicable laws to make sure that, once your organization becomes a registered charity, it keeps its charitable status in the future.
Applying for charitable status is a significant step, and it’s crucial to do it correctly.
This article was originally published by The Hamilton Spectator.
