CRA forms
Form T1044 Explained: The Non Profit Information Return
6 monthsafter the end of its fiscal period for a non profit organization to file Form T1044.
Sources checked October 20263 min read
Who files Form T1044
Form T1044 is the information return for non profit organizations described in paragraph 149(1)(l) of the Income Tax Act, and for agricultural organizations, boards of trade and chambers of commerce described in paragraph 149(1)(e). These organizations are generally exempt from income tax, and the return gives the CRA what it needs to see that they still qualify.
An organization files if any of these applies: it received, or was entitled to receive, more than $10,000 in taxable dividends, interest, rents or royalties in the fiscal period; its assets were worth more than $200,000 at the end of the previous fiscal period; or it had to file the return for an earlier period. Registered charities do not file it, because they file their own charity information return.
Key points
- For non profit organizations, agricultural organizations, boards of trade and chambers of commerce
- Required when property income tops $10,000 or assets passed $200,000 the previous year
- Once required, required every year after
- Due six months after the fiscal year end
What the return asks
The form is short, and most of it summarizes figures from the organization's own financial statements.
| Part | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | The organization, its fiscal period, its type and a contact person |
| Part 2 | Amounts received: membership dues, government grants, investment income, sales, gifts and other receipts |
| Part 3 | Assets and liabilities at the end of the fiscal period |
| Part 4 | Remuneration paid to employees, officers and members |
| Part 5 | The organization's activities |
| Parts 6 and 7 | Where the books and records are kept, and the certification |
Exempt does not mean no returns
An incorporated non profit files a T2 corporation income tax return every year as well, with the T1044 alongside it, and an unincorporated organization that has to file may also need a T3 return. Being exempt from income tax does not mean being exempt from filing, and an organization can also owe payroll remittances and GST or HST on its taxable sales.
Deadline and penalties
The return is due no later than six months after the end of the fiscal period. Filing late draws a penalty of $25 a day, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $2,500 for each failure to file.
Quick answers
Does every non profit have to file Form T1044?
No. Only those with more than $10,000 of property income in the period, assets over $200,000 at the end of the previous period, or a filing requirement in an earlier period.
Does a registered charity file Form T1044?
No. Registered charities file the registered charity information return instead.
When is Form T1044 due?
Six months after the end of the organization's fiscal period.
Related pages
Official sources
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Important. This article provides general educational information, not legal or tax advice for a specific business. Rules, administrative policies, rates and deadlines can change. Confirm your facts and current obligations with the responsible government agency and a qualified adviser.