A Canadian Act of Donation is a legal document that formalizes the voluntary, gratuitous transfer of property or assets from a donor to a recipient (donee) without any exchange of monetary consideration. Unlike a bill of sale, which documents a transfer for value, an Act of Donation records a gift and establishes clear proof that the transfer was intentional, voluntary, and without compensation.

Canadian tax law treats donations differently from the United States. Canada has no federal or provincial gift tax. However, under the Income Tax Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. 1, 5th Supp.), the donor is deemed to have disposed of the gifted property at its fair market value at the time of the transfer. This deemed disposition can trigger a capital gains tax obligation for the donor if the property has appreciated in value since it was acquired. Section 69(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act codifies this rule, ensuring that unrealized gains cannot escape taxation through gift transfers.

In Quebec, donations are specifically regulated by the Civil Code of Quebec (Code civil du Quebec), Articles 1806 through 1841. The Civil Code distinguishes between donations inter vivos (between living persons) and gifts mortis causa (effective at death). Donations of immovable property (real estate) in Quebec must be made by notarial act, and all donations inter vivos are generally irrevocable once accepted by the donee. In common law provinces, the law of gifts requires three elements: donative intent, delivery of the property, and acceptance by the donee. An Act of Donation provides written evidence of all three elements.

A Canadian Act of Donation is needed when transferring real property as a gift, such as a parent deeding a house to an adult child. In common law provinces, a transfer of land as a gift requires a deed of gift registered with the provincial land titles or registry office. In Quebec, a donation of immovable property requires a notarial act under Article 1824 of the Civil Code of Quebec, and the transfer must be published at the Land Registry Office (Bureau de la publicité des droits).

This document is essential when donating a vehicle, as provincial motor vehicle registries require documentation of the transfer to process title changes. Most provinces exempt or reduce provincial sales tax (PST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) on vehicles transferred as bona fide gifts between qualifying family members. For example, Ontario exempts the retail sales tax on vehicle transfers between immediate family members, and British Columbia exempts PST on motor vehicle gifts between related individuals under the Provincial Sales Tax Act.

Charitable contributions of property are another key use case. Donations to registered charities generate donation tax credits under section 118.1 of the Income Tax Act. For gifts of property other than cash, the fair market value at the time of donation determines the eligible amount. Gifts of publicly listed securities to qualified donees receive special treatment under the Income Tax Act, with the capital gains inclusion rate reduced to zero. A formal Act of Donation provides the documentation needed to support the donation tax credit claim.

Without a formal Act of Donation, the donor risks disputes over whether the transfer was a gift or a loan, potential claims from creditors who challenge the validity of a gratuitous transfer under provincial fraudulent conveyance or preferences legislation, and tax complications from inadequate documentation of the deemed disposition.

A legally effective Canadian Act of Donation must include the full legal names and addresses of both the donor and the donee, including their province or territory of residence. For property donations, a detailed description of the property is essential, including serial numbers, VIN numbers for vehicles, legal descriptions for real estate, or other identifying details for valuable personal property.

The estimated fair market value of the donation at the time of transfer should be stated in Canadian dollars, as this figure is critical for determining the donor's deemed proceeds of disposition under section 69(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act and the donee's adjusted cost base in the property. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may challenge transfers where the stated fair market value appears unreasonable.

The document must include a clear statement of donative intent, declaring that the transfer is made voluntarily, without coercion, and without any expectation of compensation. This distinguishes the donation from a sale, loan, or conditional transfer. Any conditions attached to the gift must be clearly stated. In Quebec, conditions must comply with Article 1813 of the Civil Code, which prohibits conditions that are impossible, contrary to public order, or contrary to good morals.

A statement that the donated property is free from liens, encumbrances, and claims ensures the donee receives clear title. Under the provincial Personal Property Security Acts (PPSA) in common law provinces, or the Civil Code of Quebec’s provisions on publication of rights, existing security interests may survive a gift transfer if they were properly registered. The governing law clause should reference the applicable province and the federal laws of Canada.

Signatures of both the donor and the donee are required, as acceptance is a legal element of a valid gift in all Canadian provinces. The date of the donation establishes the effective date of transfer and is critical for determining the tax year in which the deemed disposition must be reported.