Consumer and Non-Profit Law
Not-For-Profit Organizations: A Legal Guide
The purpose of this booklet is to provide information to community groups and
organizations, which may be considering incorporating as “Not-For-Profit”,
organizations. It outlines some of the reasons a group may find it desirable to incorporate.
It explains the responsibilities and obligations that accompany the act of incorporation. It
also discusses income tax and HST. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the
Canada Revenue Agency in providing the information on income tax and the HST.
This booklet is not intended to contain a complete statement of the law in the area
and changes in the law may occur from time to time. This booklet should only be
used as an information resource. Anyone needing specific advice on his/her own legal
position should consult a lawyer.
“NOT-FOR-PROFIT” ORGANIZATIONS - AN OVERVIEW
What is a “Not-For-Profit” organization?
A “Not-for-Profit” organization is a group which is organized for the purpose of social,
religious, charitable, educational, athletic, literary, political or other such activities.
Although there are many different kinds of “Not-For-Profit” organizations they all have
one thing in common. The people involved in the “Not-For-Profit” organization cannot
use it to make personal financial gain.
What are some examples of “Not-For-Profit” organizations?
They include, for example, service clubs, sports associations, theatre, dance and music
groups, activity clubs, religious fellowships, educational and literary societies and
community services associations.
Does “Not-For-Profit” mean the organization can’t make money?
No. “Not-For-Profit” organizations can, and do engage in many activities that result in
income or profit. However, the profits that these organizations make must be held in trust
for the organization and can only be used in carrying out its goals and objectives.
Can “Not-For Profit” organizations incorporate?
Yes. Although “incorporation” is often associated with a formal business enterprise,
“Not-For-Profit” organizations also can incorporate
Incorporation simply means that a group of people with a common goal has decided to
formalize their relationship according to the requirements set out in the law. The end
result is a company/corporation, which is viewed as a separate legal entity. In New
Brunswick, the Business Corporations Act governs general profit oriented corporations,
while “Not-For-Profit” organizations normally incorporate under the Companies Act.
Do “Not for Profit” organizations have to incorporate?
No. “Not-For-Profit” organizations can be formal (incorporated) or informal
(unincorporated).
What should my group consider if it is thinking about incorporating?
You may want to consider some of the following benefits when you are deciding about
incorporating:
(1) Distinct Legal Entity
An incorporated organization has a separate legal personality distinct from its members.
Generally it can sue and be sued in its own capacity. It provides a formal legal status for
those associated with it.
(2) Limited Liability
Members of an incorporated organization are not normally personally liable for its debts
and obligations. However, directors may incur personal liability in certain circumstances.
(3) Perpetual Existence
An incorporated organization may go on forever. If the members change, the incorporated
body continues to exist and will do so until the organization is dissolved according to the
requirements set out in the Companies Act.
(4) Ownership of Property
An incorporated organization can own property in its own name. If the members of the
organization change, the legal title to the property stays with the incorporated body.
(5) Government Aid
Some government agencies have programs to assist “Not-For-Profit” organizations.
They often require, however, that the organizations they fund be incorporated.
Why don’t all organizations incorporate?
An incorporated “Not-For-Profit” organization has a duty to operate according to rules set
out in the Companies Act. This includes keeping records, having annual meetings and so
on. Some “Not-For-Profits” may decide they do not want/need to be incorporated.
What are the obligations of incorporated organizations?
The obligations and duties of an incorporated body include:
(a) keep a book known as the “Company Registry” which lists all the members of the
organization;
(b) file appropriate notice with the Director, Corporate Registry, Service New Brunswick,
of any change in the:
(i) directors; or the
(ii) address of the head office;
(c) hold a general meeting of members at least once a year, where the directors must
present to the members a full statement of the affairs and financial position of the
organization. This process is governed by the Companies Act. The Companies Act allows
the organization to establish the time and place of the meeting in its own by-laws.
(d) file an annual return with the Corporate Registry, Service New Brunswick. Should the
organization fail to file its annual return its corporate status may be lost.
What rights accompany incorporation?
The Companies Act gives incorporated organizations the legal right to do most of the
things that a natural person can do. There are, however, some restrictions, so you should
find out the particular details of those rights. Your lawyer can explain your organization’s
corporate status to you.
Who is responsible for the day to day operation of the incorporated “Not-For-Profit” organization?
The Companies Act states that a board of not less than three (3) directors must manage
the affairs of the organization. The directors are the mind and will of the organization.
They have the right to make by-laws or rules about its operation. These by-laws are
normally approved by the members. By-laws should not conflict with anything in the
Companies Act and may deal with the following:
• membership rules;
• corporate seal;
• location of principal or head office;
• functions, duties, appointment and removal of officers;
• time, place, quorum, and procedures for meetings;
• record keeping arrangements;
• voting procedures;
• name of bank;
• borrowing powers;
• audit of financial records, if applicable;
• fiscal year end;
• confidentiality clause;
• amendment of by-laws;
Should my group incorporate?
Your group will have to consider the advantages and disadvantages, look at its goals and
decide what best suits its purpose. You may want to talk to other “Not-For Profit”
organizations and ask them about their reasons for incorporating.
INCORPORATING A “NOT-FOR-PROFIT”
How does a “Not-For-Profit” organization incorporate?
The procedure to incorporate a not-for-profit company under the Companies Act is set out
in the information kit “Incorporation of a Not-for-Profit Company”. This kit is available
from the Corporate Registry of Service New Brunswick.
Corporate Registry
Service New Brunswick
432 Queen Street
PO Box 1998
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5G4
Tel. (506) 453-2703
Fax (506) 453-2613
http://www.snb.ca
The ‘Incorporation of a Not-for-Profit Company’ kit is also available at Service New
Brunswick’s Internet site.
To incorporate, you need at least three people who are nineteen years of age or older.
These people are called the applicants and they will become the provisional directors of
the organization. They must file the following documents with the Corporate Registry of
Service New Brunswick:
• Application for Incorporation (in duplicate originals)
• Name Search Report
What information must be included in the Application for Incorporation?
The Application for Incorporation, which is set out in form 36 of the Companies Act
Regulations, must provide the following information:
(i) Name of the Organization
Before you prepare an application and complete the documents for incorporation, the
proposed name of your organization should be approved by the Corporate Registry of
Service New Brunswick. It must not be objectionable on public policy grounds and it
cannot be the same as or similar to the name of any other incorporated or unincorporated
business or organization.
The information kit entitled “Selecting A Proposed Name” is available from Corporate
Registry. It sets out the steps, which should be followed in the selection of the proposed
name and the approval of it by Corporate Registry.
The name of a company must include either the word ‘Incorporated’ or ‘Limited’ or the
abbreviation ‘Inc.’ or ‘Ltd.’. These legal identifiers are usually found at the end of the
name.
(ii) Purposes or Objectives
You must state what the organization intends to do. The purposes and objectives must fall
within the scope of activities permitted by the Companies Act (see sections 16 and 18 of
the Act).
(iii) Head Office
You must state the place within New Brunswick that will be the legal home of the
organization. Usually this is where all official correspondence is sent, where the corporate
seal is kept, and where the books of the organization are available for inspection.
(iv) Capital Stock and Acquisition of Property
Most “Not-For-Profits” are incorporated without capital stock and they do not issue any
share certificates. A non-share company may acquire real and personal property of an
unlimited cost value, unless otherwise specified in the letters patent.
(v) Not-For-Profit Statement
You must state that the organization shall not carry on any business or trade for the profit
of its members. Upon dissolving (ending) the corporation, surplus funds are normally
given to other non-profit organizations. You should therefore state your particular
distribution plans.
(vi) Powers Clause
You must briefly list the powers that the organization is to have. If the organization does
something that is outside these powers, that action may be declared invalid.
(vii) Provisional Directors
You must include on the application, the names, addresses and occupations of the persons
who are the applicants. There must not be less than three names listed, however, you may
include up to 15 names. These persons will be the first directors of the organization. They
continue as the directors until replaced.
What is a Name Search Report?
This report is a computerized print out indicating potentially identical or similar names to
the proposed name of your company. You should refer to the “Selecting a Proposed
Name” information kit.
What is the next step?
The Application must be sent in duplicate originals to the Director, Corporate Registry,
Service New Brunswick. Also, the name search report must accompany the Application.
Are there any costs to file an application?
Yes. You will have to pay a filing fee. The exact amount is determined by a sliding scale
based on the cost value of the real and personal property that you have set out in your
application.
When does the incorporation become effective?
When your application is accepted, you will receive Letters Patent. This is a document
certifying that your organization is incorporated. Notice of Letters Patent must be
published in the Royal Gazette. The publishing costs must be paid by the applicants.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate?
Although a lawyer is not required, most organizations seek professional legal advice. A
lawyer will help your group to explore options and decide if incorporation is best for it. A lawyer has the expertise to handle the paperwork involved, to check the organization’s
choice of name and so on.
Where can I get more information about incorporation?
You can get information about the incorporation process from the Corporate Registry of
Service New Brunswick.
Corporate Registry
Service New Brunswick
432 Queen Street
PO Box 1998
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5G4
Tel. (506) 453-2703
Fax (506) 453-2613
http://www.snb.ca
As well, if you wish to obtain a copy of the Companies Act and Regulations, you can
obtain a copy for a small fee from the Queens Printer, Room 117, Centennial Building,
King Street, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5H1 (453-2520). As well,
one may access the Acts and Regulations at www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/public-safety/attorney-general/content/acts_regulations.html
“NOT-FOR PROFIT” ORGANIZATIONS AND TAXES
Do “Not-For-Profits” have to pay income tax?
“Not-For-Profit” organizations are distinguished by the Canada Revenue Agency as
non-profit organizations and charities. They are two separate categories.
Organizations which are registered charities are exempt from income tax. An
organization which is not considered to be a charity still may qualify for tax-exempt status
under the Income Tax Act if it qualifies as a non-profit organization.
Some non-profit organizations which are exempt from paying income tax still may be
subject to tax on property income and on certain taxable capital gains. See the Canada
Revenue Agency’s Interpretation Bulletin IT-83R3 called “Non-Profit Organizations -
Taxation of Income from Property”.
How does a non-profit organization know if it has tax-exempt status under the
Income Tax Act?
The Canada Revenue Agency can advise you of your organization’s tax status by
determining whether your organization is organized and operated solely for social
welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation or for any other purpose except profit. No part of the income of the organization, whether current or accumulated, can be
payable to, or made available for the personal benefit of any of its members, shareholders,
etc. See the Canada Revenue Agency’s Interpretation Bulletins IT-496 and IT-496SR
called “Non-Profit Organizations”.
The Canada Revenue Agency cannot determine your status in advance but only after they
review the objects and activities of your organization for that particular taxation year.
They must check to see that your organization operated in accordance with the non-profit
purposes for which it was created. They will look at things such as your organization’s
governing documents, statement of activities, name(s) in which property or assets are
registered, names of directing officers and a financial statement for the organization’s
fiscal period. For further information or for clarification contact your local Tax Services
Office (TSO). A list of TSOs is available on the Internet at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts gvng/chrts/prtng/menu-eng.html. You can also call toll-free 1-800-959-5525.
Does a non-profit organization with an income tax exemption have to file a tax
return?
A non-profit organization which is income tax-exempt may be required to file an annual
income tax return and an annual information return with the Canada Revenue Agency.
You should contact your local Tax Services Office or call 1-800-959-5525 to find out
about the filing requirements for your organization.
Regardless of income tax exemptions, “Not-for-Profits” must meet other requirements of
the Income Tax Act. For example, they must withhold and remit the amounts required by
law where wages and salaries are paid and they must prepare required T4 and other forms.
How does an organization qualify as a charity under the Income Tax Act?
To qualify as a charity, an organization must be created for charitable purposes and
operate by devoting its resources to charitable activities. It must also make sure that no
part of its income goes to the personal benefit of any of its members. For more
information see the Canada Revenue Agency’s brochure entitled “Registering a Charity
for Income Tax Purposes” (Form T4063). Other related brochures are available at the
Canada Revenue Agency's web site www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/charities.html or at your nearest
Tax Services Office.
To be registered as a charity, an organization must devote its activities to one or more of the following:
• relief of poverty;
• advancement of religion;
• advancement of education; and
• certain other purposes that benefit the community in the way the courts have
• determined to be charitable.
As well, an organization cannot operate for profit or for the private interest of its
members.
How will my organization know if its objects and activities are considered
charitable?
Organizations must apply to the Canada Revenue Agency for “registered” charity status.
You will be required to submit an Application for Registration (Form T2050) and
supporting documentation. You can get the necessary forms, the brochure Form T4063
which outlines the major factors the Canada Revenue Agency considers in registering an
organization, or ask for more information on a particular question by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency:
Charities Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L5
Telephone: 1-800-267-2384
Most information concerning charities can be found at the "Charities" section of the
Canada Revenue Agency's web site www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/charities.html . Your Tax Services
Office also has the required documents on hand.
Can all “Not-For-Profit” organizations issue official donation receipts?
No. Only those “Not-For-Profit” organizations registered with the Canada Revenue
Agency as charities can issue official donation receipts when they receive contributions.
(Note: Every registered charity must, within 6 months after the end of its fiscal year, file
an annual information return, form T3010, with the Canada Revenue Agency.)
Do “Not for Profit” organizations have to pay the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)? Do
“Not-for-Profit” organizations have to charge and remit the HST?
Like everyone else, “Not-For-Profit” organizations have to pay the HST when they make
purchases from suppliers who are themselves required to charge the tax. However, in
some circumstances, “Not-For-Profit” organizations are able to claim a refund of this
tax. Also, “Not-For-Profit” organizations are required to charge and remit HST on the
property or services that they sell if they choose or are required to register for the tax.
Please contact the Canada Revenue Agency for information about choosing, or being
required, to register for the HST. For information in English, please call 1-800-959-5525.
For information in French, you may call 1-800-959-7775.
How would a Not-For-Profit group know what course of action is best for it?
In all circumstances you should make yourself aware of the benefits, obligations and
rights that arise from incorporation in the context of your organization. Find out what is
required by the Canada Revenue Agency. Incorporation under the Companies Act may
not ensure, for example, that your organization’s objectives fall within the Canada
Revenue Agency’s guidelines for charities or non-profit organizations. Look into any
requirements for tax purposes before you incorporate. Your local Tax Services Office can
tell you about any income tax implications. It may be wise to have a lawyer explain the
various rules for tax exemptions to your organization.
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Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) is a non-profit
organization. Its goal is to provide New Brunswickers with information on the law.
PLEIS-NB receives funding and in-kind support from the federal Department of Justice, the
New Brunswick Law Foundation and the Department of Justice of New Brunswick.
We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the Corporate Registry, Service New
Brunswick, the Canada Revenue Agency, the faculty of Law, University of New Brunswick and
members of the Law Society of New Brunswick.
Published by:
Public Legal Education and Information
Service of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5H1
Tel: (506) 453-5369
Fax: (506) 462-5193
E-mail: pleisnb@web.ca
www.legal-info-legale.nb.ca
January 1992
Revised April 1997
Updated March 2001
Updated July 2001
Updated January 2003
Updated April 2008
Updated September 2009
Updated February 2010
ISBN: 1-55048-497-4
Disclaimer: Please note that our website contains general information about the law. This is not a complete statement of the law on particular topics. We try to update our publications often, but laws change frequently so it is important for you to check to make sure the information is up to date. The information in our publications is not a substitute for legal advice. To receive legal advice about your specific situation, you need to speak to a lawyer.
