What Is a T3010 Form, When Is It Due, and Where to Send or Mail It in Canada?

Are you aware of the risks your charity faces if you file your annual return late or incorrectly? Filing the T3010 Registered Charity Information Return is not just a routine task; it’s essential for keeping your charitable status active with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This article explains what a T3010 form is, how to submit it, when it’s due, and what can happen if it’s not filed on time. We’ll also go over the key steps to make sure your return is complete and accurate.

1. What Is a T3010 Form?

If you're asking, "What is a T3010 form?", it's the annual report that all registered charities in Canada must send to the CRA. This form includes:

• Information about your charity’s finances, leadership, and activities
• A breakdown of your programs and how donations are used
• Lists of directors, donations to other charities, and fundraising details

Think of the T3010 as your charity’s yearly report card to the government. It’s used by the CRA to make sure you still meet the requirements for charitable status in CRA records.‍

2. How Do I Submit My T3010 to CRA?

There are two main ways to submit your T3010 return:

Online Submission (Preferred Method)

• Log in through CRA’s My Business Account or the Represent a Client portal
• Upload the required documents, including financials, Form T1235, and Form T1236

Mail Submission

If you’re wondering where to mail the T3010 form, use this address:

Charities Directorate

Canada Revenue Agency

105 – 275 Pope Road

Summerside PE C1N 6E8

Canada

Both methods are accepted, but CRA prefers online filing because it’s faster and reduces errors.

3. When Is the T3010 Due?

You must submit your T3010 return within six months after your charity’s fiscal year-end.

Example: If your year ends on December 31, your T3010 is due by June 30 of the next year.

Missing the deadline can lead to serious consequences.

4. What Is the Penalty for Late Filing T3010?

If you file your T3010 late or don’t file at all, your charity risks revocation and losing its registered status. This means:

• You will no longer be able to issue official  receipts
• You may be subject to penalties or audits
• Your organization will be removed from the CRA's List of Charities

There’s no financial fine, but the loss of charitable status can seriously hurt your operations and reputation.

5. What Are the Requirements for Charitable Status in CRA?

To keep your charitable status with the CRA, your charity must:

• File the T3010 return every year
• Operate exclusively for charitable purposes (e.g., relief of poverty, education, religion, or other benefits to the community)
• Maintain proper financial records
• Stay transparent in how donations and funds are used
• Avoid prohibited political activities or for-profit ventures (unless it is a "related business")

Failing to meet these rules can put your registration at risk.

6. Required Documents for a Complete T3010 Return

When filing your T3010, make sure to include:

• Financial Statements matching your declared fiscal year
• Form T1235 – list of all directors (include names, birthdates, postal codes, and relationships)
• Form T1236 – donations to other registered charities or qualified donees (with registration numbers)

Looking for a T3010 fillable form or a printable form? Visit the CRA’s official site for the latest version.

7. Don't Skip Filing (Yes, Even If Inactive)

Your charity must file a T3010 even if you had no financial activity during the year. Inactivity is not an excuse to skip filing.

8. How to Fill Out Key Sections Accurately

Pay special attention to these:

• Section C2 – Describe your charitable activities (don’t focus on fundraising events)
• Section E – Must be signed by a director, trustee, or similar official
• Schedule 6 – Required for charities with large assets or revenue

Also check:

• Section D for smaller charities
• Lines 4500–4650, 4860–4920, 5000, and others, depending on your charity’s size and structure

Planning to file your T3010 form? Avoid costly errors by first understanding what a T3010 form is, when it’s due, and where to send or mail it in Canada.

Staying compliant with CRA rules isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it helps build trust with donors, keeps your operations running smoothly, and ensures your charity can continue to make a positive impact.

By understanding what a T3010 form is, knowing how to submit your T3010 to CRA, meeting the requirements for charitable status, and avoiding late filing penalties, your charity can stay in good standing year after year.

Need help filing your T3010 or registering your charity in Canada?

Call us today at 416-488-5888 or visit www.charitylawgroup.ca to get experienced support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Filing your T3010 form correctly and on time is important for keeping your charity's status with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Here are answers to common questions that charity leaders ask about this yearly requirement.

Where do I send my T3010 charity return?

You can file your T3010 online through the CRA website at canada.ca or mail it to Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency, 105 – 275 Pope Road, Summerside PE C1N 6E8, Canada. The CRA prefers online filing because it is faster and reduces errors.

How do I file a T3010 online?

Visit the CRA website at canada.ca, log in using your charity's CRA account, complete the T3010 form electronically, and submit it through the online portal. Online filing gives you instant confirmation that your return was received.

Where do I mail my T3010 form?

Mail your T3010 form to Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency, 105 – 275 Pope Road, Summerside PE C1N 6E8, Canada. Make sure to send it early enough to arrive before your filing deadline.

What is the penalty for filing T3010 late?

There is no money fine for filing late, but your charity can lose its registered status. This means you cannot issue tax receipts, donors lose their tax benefits, and your charity may have to pay taxes on its income. The CRA can revoke your charitable status if you do not file on time.

When do I file my T3010?

You must file your T3010 within six months after your charity's fiscal year ends. For example, if your fiscal year ends on December 31, your T3010 is due by June 30 of the following year.

What is the maximum fine for a late tax return?

There is no money fine for filing a late T3010, but the penalty is much worse. You can lose your charitable status completely, which means you cannot issue tax receipts and donors cannot claim tax deductions for their gifts. This makes filing on time very important for charities.