Making a donation through a Will, as opposed to just prior to death, may be advantageous for a number of reasons.

A donation through a Will is not subject to the general income limitation; living donor claims are limited to 75% of the net income. As well, a donation under a Will is also deemed to occur in the donor’s final year. Therefore, the donation tax credit can be claimed on the donor’s final tax return even though the actual donation occurs after the donor’s death. The Estate can then use the donation in the most tax advantageous manner.