It is very important that Canadian registered charities are on the CRA My Business Account (MyBA) and using the system.   The first step is to get on the MyBA system.  Some groups find it challenging. This upcoming CRA webinar may help.

The long and the short is that it is really important for charities to be on the MyBA system. It allows CRA to communicate with you electronically (as they don’t use emails for taxpayer confidential information).  Being on the MyBA system is not just for a group to apply online to become a registered charity but it also allows a registered charity to submit a T3010 Registered Charity Information Return and attachments online.  It also allows a charity to update its information with CRA, upload supporting documents, and correspond with the Charities Directorate.

You never know when you are going to have a matter that is urgent, and being on the system can save you months of delays and aggravation.   Also, it can reduce the likelihood of errors, for example, when filing the T3010.    If you are an accountant for a charity or the CFO and you are still filing the T3010 manually, if CRA makes an inputting mistake that is embarrassing for your charity, is it really CRA’s fault? Or is it your fault, at least in part, because you are still operating in the 1980s?   Better not to have people ask these questions of you.    After all registered charities have had since 2019 to get on the MyBA system and to use it.

Here is the note from CRA:

Charities and giving – What’s new

Charities webinars – Registering for My Business Account (MyBA)

We are pleased to announce that our next webinar is coming!

Registration for Registering for My Business Account (MyBA): A step-by-step guide for charities is now open. In this webinar, we will familiarize you with the My Business Account registration process and how to authorize new directors.

This webinar will take place March 19 and 21, 2024. To register for a session, go to Charities information sessions and webinars.

We encourage representatives of all registered charities and registered national arts service organizations across Canada to sign up. This is an excellent introduction to the MyBA registration process if you are new to charities or if you’re interested in learning more about our digital services.

Space is limited! Register today!