Donate to the Canadian Red Cross today and collect first-time donor super credit

There's never been a better time to donate to the Canadian Red Cross. The year is winding down, and time is running out for you to get your 2013 tax credit! And for first-time donors, there's an added incentive.

How the new bonus tax credit works
Starting with the 2013 taxation year, the Canada Revenue Agency is introducing a first-time donor's super credit (FDSC). Charitable donations already have two tiers of benefits, with the $200 rule in place.  The $200 rule means that when you donate $200 or more you are entitled to the highest possible tax credit.

Now, with the first-time donor super credit, you can get an additional 25 per cent of your total donation (up to $1,000) refunded back to you.

How does this all add up? If you donate $300, with both credits in place you can get as much as $198 refunded to you. This means that you're making much more of a difference at a much lower cost to you.

What qualifies as a first-time donor? According to the Canada Revenue Agency, an individual is a first-time donor if neither that person nor a spouse or common-law partner has previously claimed a standard charitable donation tax credit in the past five tax years.

Some rates may vary by province, but the Canadian Red Cross can help you figure out your credit estimates with its tax credit calculator. Enter your intended donation, note whether you're a first time donor and the calculator delivers the good news.

Why the Red Cross?
Considering that donations only have to be more than $200 to bring in the FDSC, the end of the year is a great time to make a gift to charity. By supporting the Canadian Red Cross, you'll be helping emergency responders provide humanitarian aid where it's needed most around the world. But that's not all. Your money will also go toward community programs, such as swimming and water safety classes, or first aid and CPR programs. The Canadian Red Cross provides a vast range of services and is committed to a number of causes, from violence, bullying and abuse prevention to migrant and refugee services.

Donate today to one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country - the Canadian Red Cross. Then get your super credit as a first-time donor!