Filing Your Return

Political contribution tax credits

There are separate non-refundable tax credits for federal and provincial or territorial political contributions.  There is a federal tax credit for federal  political contributions, and there is a provincial/territorial tax credit for provincial/territorial political contributions.

Line 410 Federal Political Contributions

Income Tax Act s. 127(3)

If you contributed to a registered federal political party or to a candidate for election to the House of Commons, you will get a tax credit which is deducted from your federal tax payable.

A federal contribution can be claimed by either spouse, but one contribution receipt cannot be split between spouses.  If you have a spouse and want to contribute more than $400 in one year, it would be beneficial to make two separate contributions, for greater flexibility in maximizing the tax credit.

There is no federal tax credit for contributions exceeding $1,275.

Provincial and territorial political contributions

If you contributed to a political party registered in your province or territory, or to a candidate seeking election to the Legislative Assembly of your province or territory, you will get a tax credit which is deducted from your provincial or territorial tax payable.

In British Columbia and Ontario, a contribution can be claimed by either spouse (or common-law partner), but one contribution receipt cannot be split between spouses.  

In any other province or territory, a contribution receipt can be used by either spouse only if it is in the name of both spouses.

The biggest percentage tax credit is received on the first level of contribution, with a lower percentage credit for each subsequent level (except in Quebec).  

For more information, and to see the tax credit amounts for your province or territory, go to the CRA web page General Income Tax and Benefit Package.  Choose your province, and then choose the link to the information sheet for completing forms for your province or territory.

Tax Tip:  If you have a spouse or common-law partner, make two separate contributions and get both receipts in the names of both spouses, for greater flexibility in maximizing the tax credit.

Revised: February 24, 2012