Most taxpayers are aware that you may be able to reduce your income tax by donating to a registered charity.  Here’s a tip from the Canada Revenue Agency that can help you reduce your taxes even further:

You do not have to claim all of the donations you made this year on your current-year return. You can carry forward any donations you do not claim in the current year and claim them on your return for any of the next five years.

Married couples or common-law partners can pool their donations and claim them on one return. This is important because the first $200 you report on your return is eligible for a lower federal tax credit (15.25% of the donation amount) than the amount over $200. After the first $200 of charitable donations, the federal tax credit increases to 29% of the amount donated over $200. Put all your donations on the return of one spouse and to take advantage of this higher rate on donations over $200.

Unsure if a charity is registered?  Searching for it in the CRA Charities Listings.