Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Dates and location
Pricing
Hours
Description
The non-profit sector covers a wide spectrum of activities, including clubs, professional associations, schools, hospitals, supportive housing, health services, and other charitable works. The application of GST/HST to these activities and its recovery through rebates and input tax credits is usually far more complex than in a commercial enterprise and may vary significantly depending on the legal form of the organization. Failure to be aware of these complexities can result in lost opportunities or worse, large tax assessments against the organization.
This course, delivered primarily in a lecture format, will focus on the unique rules applicable to public service bodies, including the distinction between charities and other non-profit organizations. Other exemptions which may apply to some non-profit organizations, such as health care or education, will be reviewed briefly. This course will also briefly examine issues related to the construction of housing and similar property by non-profit organizations. Participants will gain a greater awareness of the application of GST/HST and exempting provisions applicable to this unique sector, including common pitfalls and errors. A case study will be used to illustrate and reinforce the application of some of the complex rules applicable to a typical non-profit organization.
Topics Include:
- A brief review of GST/HST basics, including relevant GST/HST place of supply rules.
- A discussion of issues related to grants, donations, and fundraising activities.
- A recap of GST/HST exemptions and certain elections unique to public service bodies.
- An explanation of GST/HST rebates, input tax credit entitlements, registration, and accounting.
- Examples of common pitfalls and errors.
- A brief discussion of other exemptions applicable to NFPOs, including housing, health care, or education.
NOTE: This course description has been revised and reflects updates for 2024. If you have any questions, please contact pdevents@cpaontario.ca.
Schedule
- March 11, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- March 13, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Identify key differences in the application of GST/HST to the non-profit sector from other businesses, including awareness of special exemptions, registration requirements and rebate entitlements.
- Distinguish between special exemptions which depend on whether the entity is a charity or not.
- Distinguish between registration for rebate purposes and regular GST registration.
- Identify issues related to specific areas or activities, such as education & health care or those related to construction & operation of social housing and other residential programs.
- Apply s. 211 election benefits and mechanics.
Who Will Benefit
Although applicable to all accounting professionals, the session is focused on the needs of professionals involved in the accounting for non-profit organizations, including practitioners who provide advice to such organizations.
Prerequisite(s)
Participants should possess a strong general understanding of the GST/HST system.
How to Access The Course
This course is a live webinar. You must attend the live course to receive verifiable CPD hours. We recommend you join five minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. To get the full experience of this interactive course, use a computer that has video and microphone capabilities.
Electronic material can be accessed one week prior to the course and should be downloaded in advance.
Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.
Speaker(s)
Gregory M. Sawatsky, MAcc, CPA, CA, graduated from Brock University’s Co-Op Program with an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree in 2000, receiving three awards for academic achievement. Greg passed the 2000 National Uniform Final CA examinations, ranking 6th in Ontario and received his CA designation in 2001. Greg completed his Master of Accountancy degree with a specialization in Taxation in December 2001. Greg was appointed manager in 2002 and was admitted to partnership in 2007. He has completed the CICA In-Depth Tax course and the CICA In-Depth GST course.