Tax Credits of Charitable Giving

Giving to United Way has many benefits, both to our community and to you. Your donation of cash, securities and other assets is eligible for charitable tax credits, which can reduce the federal and provincial income tax you pay each year.

Generally, you can claim tax credits for donating up 75 per cent of your net income for the year. You do not, however, have to give this much to realize substantial benefits.

The tax benefits of giving

The portion of donations to registered charities in excess of $200 entitles you to a tax credit of 50 percent (29 per cent federal tax credit plus 21 percent Alberta provincial tax credit). 

    • As an Alberta resident, the first $200 of all your gifts to charities entitle you to a tax credit of 26% (16 per cent federal tax credit plus 10 per cent provincial tax credit).

      For example, when you give $100 to United Way, your taxes will be reduced by $26, meaning your donation costs you just $74 after tax.

    • All gifts to charities over the initial $200 entitle you to a tax credit of 50 percent (29 per cent federal tax credit plus 21 percent Alberta provincial tax credit).

      For example, when you give $1,000 to United Way, the first $200 creates a tax credit of $52 and the remaining $ 800 creates a tax credit of $400. The tax credits add up to $452 and your donation costs just $548 after tax.

    • Additional tax benefits are available for donations of publicly traded securities. In the Federal budget of May 2006, the capital gains tax was eliminated altogether on gifts of securities to registered charities. In addition, you will recieve a tax receipt for the full value of the shares you have donated. Previously, donors paid capital gains tax on 25 per cent of the gain when thy donated securities.

      For more information, please contact George Jacob, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer at (403)-231-6444 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

When you give goods, you are also eligible for a similar tax credits. A fair market value of the goods must be determined by the donor and/or charitable organization.

For information about donating goods to United Way, contact one of our

Patti Brewin
Ph. (403)-355-3132
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This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal or financial advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice; United Way encourages you to seek professional legal, estate planning and/or financial advice before deciding upon your course of action.