The political contribution tax credit encourages people to participate in the provincial political process. The credit is provided on behalf of Ontario through the federal income tax system. A refund may result if the total Ontario tax credits exceed the tax owing on your tax return.
To be eligible for the tax credit, you must:
- be an Ontario resident on December 31 of the taxation year, and
- have made eligible contributions to a registered Ontario political party, registered constituency association or candidate in an Ontario provincial election.
Who can claim this tax credit?
Either you or your spouse or common-law partner may claim the tax credit. Single contributions shown on one official receipt cannot be divided.
How do I claim this tax credit?
You can only claim this tax credit for the same year that you made the contribution. In some cases, this credit may be claimed on the return of a person who died in the tax year. Follow these steps:
- Complete the ON479 Ontario Credits form included in your personal income tax return.
- Attach all official receipts for your political contributions. You can get them from the Chief Financial Officer of a registered party, registered constituency association or candidate in an Ontario provincial election.
How the tax credit is calculated
The amount of the credit depends on the total you contribute in each tax year. You may claim a maximum tax credit of up to $1,120 a year. You will reach this limit when your eligible political contributions total $2,548. For example, annually you may claim 75 per cent of the first $336 of your political contribution in the year; plus 50 per cent of the next $784; plus 33 1/3 per cent of $1,428. For more details please see the provincial worksheet.
Learn more
You can find additional information in the forms package that you receive with your income tax return.
