I have unused donations to a charity spanning over 5 years. Have tried to apply them or some of them to reduce my total income line. How do I do it and will that work?

[charrington19]

I do not owe any tax, but need to lower my total income line as to not have to pay the Ontario Health premium. thought that I could use some of my charitable donations. But can not seem to get them to enter it high lights my donations for 2011 and shows me the rest but does not seem to enter and effect the amount owed to Ontario Health Premium.

[TurboTaxJeffrey · Accepted solution]

Charitable donations are not a deduction and do not affect income.  They are a non-refundable tax credit and are used to help reduce tax liability.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/349/menu-eng.html