COVID-19 Government Assistance For Business
Federal and Provincial governments have released programs to assist small businesses get through challenges resulting from the impact of COVID-19. Many small business are experiencing significant reductions of income and a cash crunch. Government programs are intended to assist with liquidity accordingly through business loans. As payroll is often one of the highest expenses, programs have also been released to encourage businesses to retain employees rather than laying them off. This page attempts to summarize the programs available, provide some further details on the programs, and supply links to the related government sites.
The major business programs currently available are listed below. We also discuss the CERB program because it impacts so many workers and employers are seeking advice on CERB versus EI. At the end of this page we also list a few of the programs available to individuals. Click the link in the header of each program for further details down this page.
NOTE: At the date of release of this Page, April 6, there are still a number of unknown specifics related to these programs. These programs have been constantly evolving - new information and programs have been released over the last week . While these details are as concise as they can be as of April 6, they represent our best understanding of the information at this time and are subject to change as the government continues to implement these programs. Follow the links provided to government sites for the most up to date information.
The major business programs currently available are listed below. We also discuss the CERB program because it impacts so many workers and employers are seeking advice on CERB versus EI. At the end of this page we also list a few of the programs available to individuals. Click the link in the header of each program for further details down this page.
NOTE: At the date of release of this Page, April 6, there are still a number of unknown specifics related to these programs. These programs have been constantly evolving - new information and programs have been released over the last week . While these details are as concise as they can be as of April 6, they represent our best understanding of the information at this time and are subject to change as the government continues to implement these programs. Follow the links provided to government sites for the most up to date information.
Current Government Programs For Businesses
NOTE: At this time it appears employers can apply for multiple programs and loans at once, however in some cases one program may affect the other (eg applying for two Wage subsidies). Employers are encouraged to take advantage of as many programs as are available to them..
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
CERB is Intended to support workers and the self employed who lose their income due to COVID-19. Provides a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months.
Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy (TEWS - 10%)
The first wage of two wage subsidies released to assist employers with wage costs and reduce layoffs of personnel, this program provides relief of source deduction remittances - it is not a cash back program. 10% of remuneration can be deducted for three months with a cap of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - (CEWS - 75%)
Outrcy over the limited help provided by the Temporary Wage Subsidy and reviewing what other countries have done caused the government to release this second wage subsidy IN ADDITION. This subsidy provides a payment of 75% remuneration in approximately 6 weeks. Best practice is to apply for both the Temporary Wage Subsidy AND the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy if eligible.
$40k Loans Through Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
To assist with business liquidity, the federal government launched the CEBA program, which provides loans of up to $40,000 for eligible businesses. $10,000 of the loan may be forgiveable . A key criteria to eligibility is payroll between $50,000 and $1,000,000.
Business Credit Availabilty Program (BCAP)
The purpose of BCAP is to assist with cash flow over 6 months. A $65 billion pool of funds is available through Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada.
Guarantees and Co-Lending Program
$20 Billion pool of funds available under each of the Co-Lending program and the Loan Guarantee Program.
Payment Deferrals - Income Tax, HST, WSIB, EHT
Changes of extensions of deadlines to employers for filing and paying HST, WSIB, and EHT, as well as Incomes Taxes for individuals, the self-employed and corporations tax. , The link provides details as well as a table of the new deadlines for filing and payment of income taxes. Although payments can be deferred, we continue to recommend filing on time especially if you anticipate a refund. We also recommend filing individual taxes as soon as possible to ensure money potentially owed to you from government programs continues (eg Canada Child Benefit) and to ensure any refunds of income taxes are received quickly.
Changes To Work-Sharing Program
The Work-Sharing program has been altered to extend from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The application process has been streamlined for faster benefits to be released.
Changes To Canada Summer Jobs - NEW APRIL 8
To help young people and businesses, Canada Summer Jobs employers will receive a subsidy of up to 100% to cover the cost of hiring students. The time frame for job placement extends until the winter to take into account that some jobs will start later than usual. Because many businesses have had to scale back operations , they will be able to hire students part-time.
Programs For Individuals
In addition to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, individuals can access a number of programs if eligible including -
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (CANADA)
- Extension of Income Tax Deadlines and Payments
- Increases To The Child Care Benefit
- Student Loan Payment Deferrals
- NEW APRIL 8- CANADA SUMMER JOBS CHANGES
PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE (ONTARIO)
- Financial Aid with Children
- Grants for Electricity Bills
- Hydro Relief
- Double Monthly Benefit for Low Income Seniors
- Work Leave
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (CANADA)
- Extension of Income Tax Deadlines and Payments
- Increases To The Child Care Benefit
- Student Loan Payment Deferrals
- NEW APRIL 8- CANADA SUMMER JOBS CHANGES
PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE (ONTARIO)
- Financial Aid with Children
- Grants for Electricity Bills
- Hydro Relief
- Double Monthly Benefit for Low Income Seniors
- Work Leave
Canada Emergency Reponse Benefit (CERB)
The federal government is providing temporary income support in the amount of $500 per week ($2,000 per month) for up to 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3rd to all those that have stopped working or are without employment due to COVID-19. (Note- this is a taxable benefit). CERB applies to contract employees or the self-employed as well. Everybody gets paid a flat amount to speed up the process of processing benefits.
Criteria: CERB is only available to individuals who stopped working. This could be because: you’re a working parent who must stay home without pay to care for children, you’re a worker who became sick, quarantined or taking care of someone sick and quarantined, you’re still employed but not being paid or you're a worker ineligible for Employment Insurance. You must be able to show that you have not received income for 14 consecutive days.
How to Apply: The Canada Revenue Agency will start accepting applications on April 6, but you can only apply on specific days based on the month you were born.
Expected turanound time to receive payment is 10 business days, but recipients will likely see them received within 3 business days.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html
You will need to apply every 4 weeks to continue to get benefits.
Important notes re: CERB versus Employment Insurance (we are getting many questions on CERB vs EI)
Criteria: CERB is only available to individuals who stopped working. This could be because: you’re a working parent who must stay home without pay to care for children, you’re a worker who became sick, quarantined or taking care of someone sick and quarantined, you’re still employed but not being paid or you're a worker ineligible for Employment Insurance. You must be able to show that you have not received income for 14 consecutive days.
How to Apply: The Canada Revenue Agency will start accepting applications on April 6, but you can only apply on specific days based on the month you were born.
- Go online to MyCRA or My Service Canada
- Over the phone: 1-800-959-2019
Expected turanound time to receive payment is 10 business days, but recipients will likely see them received within 3 business days.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html
You will need to apply every 4 weeks to continue to get benefits.
- The Government will provide a one-time GST/HST credit payment on April 9, 2020. This payment will double the maximum - with a payment of almost $400 for individuals and $600 for couples.
Important notes re: CERB versus Employment Insurance (we are getting many questions on CERB vs EI)
- Employees cannot receiev CERB and EI at the same time. However in many situations, you can receive CERB and EI back to back. Where possible apply for CERB first (see notes below)
- If an employee applied for EI which was processed and is currently receiving benefits, they continue on EI.
- If an employee applied for EI which has not yet been processed and is not receiving benefits yet, our understanding is that the EI system automatically transfers to CERB without the need to apply for CERB. The employee would then receive CERB and when it runs be eligible for EI.
- If an employee has not yet applied for EI, they should apply to CERB first and then become eligible for EI when CERB runs out.
Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy (10%)
The first of two wage subsidies released to assist employers with wage costs and reduce layoffs of personnel, this program provides relief of source deduction remittances - it is not a cash back program. It is a three month program from March 18 to June 20. 10% of remuneration paid in that period can be deducted from source deduction remittances up to a cap of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. The subsidy is taxable and reported in the year received.
Criteria -
You can start reducing payroll remittances of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax in the first remittance period that includes remuneration paid from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020 (effectively most employers take advantage of the subsidy April 15 when they remit source deductions). There is no application process. If the income taxes you deduct are not sufficient to offset the value of the subsidy in a specific period, you can reduce future payroll remittances to benefit from the subsidy. This includes reducing remittances that may fall outside of the application period for the wage subsidy (after June 19, 2020).
Important - You cannot reduce your remittance of CPP contributions or EI premiums. You must continue remitting the CPP contributions and EI premiums that you deducted from your employees, as well as your share of CPP contributions and EI premiums, to the CRA. Only deduct the Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy from your income tax portion.
Note - Owner salaries are not excluded. Dividends and other ways of removing money from the business don’t qualify.
Books and records needed to support calculation (quick excel sheet). Need to be able to provide to CRA.
Link to government site - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
Criteria -
- you are a(n):
- individual (excluding trusts),
- partnership (see note below),
- non-profit organization,
- registered charity, or
- Canadian-controlled private corporation (including a cooperative corporation) eligible for the small business deduction;
- must have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020; and
- business pays salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee. An eligible employee is an individual who is employed in Canada.
You can start reducing payroll remittances of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax in the first remittance period that includes remuneration paid from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020 (effectively most employers take advantage of the subsidy April 15 when they remit source deductions). There is no application process. If the income taxes you deduct are not sufficient to offset the value of the subsidy in a specific period, you can reduce future payroll remittances to benefit from the subsidy. This includes reducing remittances that may fall outside of the application period for the wage subsidy (after June 19, 2020).
Important - You cannot reduce your remittance of CPP contributions or EI premiums. You must continue remitting the CPP contributions and EI premiums that you deducted from your employees, as well as your share of CPP contributions and EI premiums, to the CRA. Only deduct the Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy from your income tax portion.
Note - Owner salaries are not excluded. Dividends and other ways of removing money from the business don’t qualify.
Books and records needed to support calculation (quick excel sheet). Need to be able to provide to CRA.
Link to government site - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - CEWS (75%)
Outcry over the limited help provided by the Temporary Wage Subsidy and reviewing what other countries have done caused the government to release this second wage subsidy CEWS in addition to the Temporary Wage Subsidy. The proposed Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (it's still in draft right now but we are expecting it) would cover 75% of salaries (with caps) for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. It is capped at 75% of first $58,700, thus the maximum benefit received would thus be $44,025 or $847 per employee. Employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy would be eligible with the exception of public sector entities. Money will be received in 6 weeks and is a taxable benefit.
However some businesses still may not qualify for CEWS in which case they can still apply for the Temporary Wage Subsidy. If employers qualify for both programs they can apply for BOTH, however CEWS received will ultimately be reduced by Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy.
Criteria -
- The most important criteria to obtain CEWS is the ability to demonstrate a 30% drop in come in a month compared to the same month in 2019.
This subsidy is much more all-encompassing than the Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy - it includes not only small businesses but also non-profits and charities. Eligible employers specifically include:- individuals
- Taxable corporations
- Partnerships consisting of eligible employers
- Non‑profit organizations
- Registered charities.
- Public bodies would not be eligible for this subsidy. Public bodies include municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, public universities, colleges, schools and hospitals.
Calculating Revenues (proving 30% drop) - ***IMPORTANT NOTE see April 8 update further below)
- -An employer’s revenue for this purpose would be its revenue from its business carried on in Canada earned from arm’s-length sources. Revenue would be calculated using the employer’s normal accounting method, and would exclude revenues from extraordinary items and amounts on account of capital.
Eligible Periods - Eligibility would generally be determined by the change in an eligible employer’s monthly revenues, year-over-year, for the calendar month in which the period began. The amount of wage subsidy (provided under the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan) received by the employer in a given month would be ignored for the purpose of measuring year-over-year changes in monthly revenues.
- For example, if revenues in March 2020 were down 50 per cent compared to March 2019, the employer would be allowed to claim the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (as calculated above) on remuneration paid between March 15 and April 11, 2020.
Calculating eligibility and the amount of the claim takes a bit of work. There are three periods against which eligible recipients can make a claim. Eligible recipients must have a decline in revenue of 30 per cent or more in the reference period and then calculate the amount of benefit received based on the Claim Period - see the three periods and their dates below.
- Period 1
- Reference Period March 2020 over March 2019
- Claim based on wages between March 15 and April 11
- Period 2
- Reference Period April 2020 over April 2019
- Claim based on wages between April 12 and May 9
- Period 3
- Reference Period May 2020 over May 2019
- Claim based on wages between May 10 and June 6
***APRIL 8 UPDATE TO ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - Companies will now have the option of using January and February of this year to show a 30 percent loss and businesses will only need to show a 15 percent decline for revenue in March instead of 30 percent, because most of us only felt the impact of COVID-19, about half way through the month. We understand that charities and non profits are experiencing different kinds of pressures when it comes to funding. For this reason, they will have the choice to include or exclude Government funding when calculating loss in revenue.
Government link to April 8 change here - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/04/government-provides-further-flexibility-for-employers-to-access-the-canada-emergency-wage-subsidy.html
For eligible employers established after February 2019, eligibility would be determined by comparing monthly revenues to a reasonable benchmark.. For non-profits and charities, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their specific circumstances.
Amount of the subsidy - The subsidy amount for a given employee on eligible remuneration paid between March 15 and June 6, 2020 would be the greater of:
- 75 per cent of the amount of remuneration paid, up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week; and
- the amount of remuneration paid, up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week or 75 per cent of the employee’s pre-crisis weekly remuneration, whichever is less.
How To Apply - Eligible employers would be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy through the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Business Account portal as well as a web-based application. Employers would have to keep records demonstrating their reduction in arm’s-length revenues and remuneration paid to employees. More details about the application process will be made available shortly.
Link to government site - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html
$40k Loans Through Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
To ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, the Government of
Canada is announcing the launch of the new Canada Emergency Business Account, which will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC). We anticipate that many businesses will want to take advantage of this program.
This $25 billion program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). If not, the full loan balance and unpaid interest are due December 31, 2025.
Criteria ; need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019.
How To Apply: The program is managed by financial institutions. Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to apply for these loans. Applications can be made online with financial institutions starting April 6. You will need your CRA business number and the total remuneration paid in 2019 when applying.
CIBC has published a useful FAQ on this program - https://www.cibc.com/en/business/covid-19/emergency-business-account-faq.html
Important note - If you bank with more than one financial institution, you may only apply through one of them.
Canada is announcing the launch of the new Canada Emergency Business Account, which will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC). We anticipate that many businesses will want to take advantage of this program.
This $25 billion program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). If not, the full loan balance and unpaid interest are due December 31, 2025.
Criteria ; need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019.
How To Apply: The program is managed by financial institutions. Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to apply for these loans. Applications can be made online with financial institutions starting April 6. You will need your CRA business number and the total remuneration paid in 2019 when applying.
CIBC has published a useful FAQ on this program - https://www.cibc.com/en/business/covid-19/emergency-business-account-faq.html
Important note - If you bank with more than one financial institution, you may only apply through one of them.
Loans - Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The main goal of this program is to address cash shortages over the next 6 months.
Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide $65 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted. By working in close cooperation with financial institutions, this program will fill gaps in market access and leverage additional lending by private sector institutions.
Businesses seeking support through BCAP should contact the financial institutions with whom they have a pre-existing relationship, so that the financial institutions may assess the client’s financial request. If the needs of the client exceed the level of support the financial institution is able to provide, the financial institution will work alongside BDC or EDC to access additional resources the Government has made available under BCAP.
Specifics of the BCAP program have not yet been announced. Our understanding is the following -
Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide $65 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted. By working in close cooperation with financial institutions, this program will fill gaps in market access and leverage additional lending by private sector institutions.
Businesses seeking support through BCAP should contact the financial institutions with whom they have a pre-existing relationship, so that the financial institutions may assess the client’s financial request. If the needs of the client exceed the level of support the financial institution is able to provide, the financial institution will work alongside BDC or EDC to access additional resources the Government has made available under BCAP.
Specifics of the BCAP program have not yet been announced. Our understanding is the following -
- Working capital loans of up to $2 million with flexible terms and payment postponements for up to 6 months for qualifying businesses;
- Flexible repayment terms, such as postponement of principal payments for up to six months, for existing BDC clients with total BDC loan commitment of $1 million or less
- Term is anticipated to be 36 months.
- Reduced rates on new eligible loans. Rates of 2.8% at time of publishing (April 6) but will differ at time of application based on market rates and other factors.
- Additional details regarding Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) measures, including industry specific support, to be announced in the coming days.
- Personal guarantees are required. BDC will be second to existing debt.
- Significant amounts of information could be required at time of application which may include 3 years financial statements, 6 to 12 month cash flow forecasts, and information on the investors.
Guarantees and Co-Lending Program
EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million
The program cap for this new loan program will be a total of $20 billion for export sector and domestic companies.
To provide additional liquidity support for Canadian businesses, the Co-Lending Program will bring the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) together with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan. Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers. The potential for lending for this program will be $20 billion.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. To support their operations, EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million.
The program cap for this new loan program will be a total of $20 billion for export sector and domestic companies.
EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million.
Details on these programs have not been released at time of publishing this article (Apr 6). Management of this program will be performed by financial institutions.
The program cap for this new loan program will be a total of $20 billion for export sector and domestic companies.
To provide additional liquidity support for Canadian businesses, the Co-Lending Program will bring the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) together with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan. Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers. The potential for lending for this program will be $20 billion.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. To support their operations, EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million.
The program cap for this new loan program will be a total of $20 billion for export sector and domestic companies.
EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million.
Details on these programs have not been released at time of publishing this article (Apr 6). Management of this program will be performed by financial institutions.
Payment Deferrals - Income Tax, HST, WSIB, EHT
HST PAYMENT DEFERRALS
Link to government site - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-gst-hst.html
WSIB -
EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX (EHT)
INCOME TAX DEADLINES DEFERRED
Individuals - Due Dates
Self-employed and their spouse or common law partner – Due dates
Corporations – Due dates
Trusts – Due dates
Charities – Due dates
Part XIII non-resident tax – Due dates
- HST, GST, QST payments due after March 27 are now due June 30..
- CRA announced that although deadlines remain unchanged, they will not impose penalties where return filed late provided it is filed by June 30. Revenue Quebec following suit.
- When in a position to get money back, CRA is processing them quickly. Some advice if in refund position:
- Submit HST as early in the month it is due as possible. Waiting until the deadline date defers your payment.
- Are refunds anticipated to occur regularly now? May wish to consider switching to monthly filing to get refunds faster. Contact CRA and make an election to do this.
Link to government site - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-gst-hst.html
WSIB -
- The financial relief package allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. Businesses who report and pay monthly, quarterly or annually based on their insurable earnings are eligible for this deferral.
EMPLOYER HEALTH TAX (EHT)
- Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption threshold raised to $1 million from the existing $490,000 for annual Ontario remuneration of private-sector employers with payroll under $5 million.
- Projected to provide an additional relief of up to $9,945 per eligible employer.
- Retroactive to January 1, 2020 with return to existing $490,000 threshold on January 1, 2021.
INCOME TAX DEADLINES DEFERRED
- Penalties and interest will not be charged if the deferred payment requirements are met by September 1, 2020. Penalties and interest relief will be considered on a case-by-case basis for income tax balances that are not covered by the COVID-19 relief provisions described below.
Individuals - Due Dates
- Filing date for 2019 tax year June 1, 2020
- Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020
- Includes the June 15, 2020 installment payment for those who have to pay by installments.
Self-employed and their spouse or common law partner – Due dates
- Filing date for 2019 tax year June 15, 2020 unchanged
- Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020 extended
- Includes the June 15, 2020, installment payment for those who have to pay by installments.
Corporations – Due dates
- Filing date for current tax year June 1, 2020 extended. Applies to corporations that would otherwise have a filing due date after March 18 and before June 1, 2020. Essentially this affects anyone with a Sept 30 due date and beyond.
- Payment date for current tax year September 1, 2020 extended
- Applies to balances and installments under Part 1 of the Income Tax Act due on or after March, 18 and before September 1, 2020.
Trusts – Due dates
- Filing date for current tax year (including the associated T3 information return) May 1, 2020 extended
- Applies to trusts with a tax year end date of December 31, 2019 June 1, 2020 extended
- Applies to trusts that would otherwise have a filing due date in April or May.
- Payment date for current tax year - September 1, 2020 extended
- Applies to income tax balances and installments due on or after March 18 and before September 1, 2020
Charities – Due dates
- Filing date December 31, 2020 extended
- Applies to charities with Form T3010 due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020
- Payment date - Not Applicable
Part XIII non-resident tax – Due dates
- Filing date for the 2019 NR4 information return May 1, 2020 extended
- Payment date the 15th of each month following an amount paid or credited by residents of Canada to non-resident persons.
Changes To Work-Sharing Program
The long-running Work-Sharing Program allows employees to reduce and share hours with other employees to avoid layoffs - Employment Insurance supplements the missed hours. Under COVID-19, the program has been extended to run for up to 76 weeks from 38 weeks. The government has significantly streamlined the application process to ensure faster benefit processing. Some specific changes -
Link to government website - https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html
- Employee signatures not required on all pages of the application.
- Application itself reduced significantly - down to one page with a second signature (previously a dozen or two dozen pages)
- Scrapped the need for a detailed business recovery plan
- No longer need to report a decrease in activity of 10%
- Employers have access to an enquiry email for to ask questions.
Link to government website - https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html
Changes Canada Summer Jobs Program- NEW APRIL 8
On April 8, temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program were announced that will help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. This program is intended to help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age.
The temporary changes to the program for this year include:
Link to government website - https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/08/changes-canada-summer-jobs-program-help-businesses-and-young
The temporary changes to the program for this year include:
- an increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee
- an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
- allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
Link to government website - https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/08/changes-canada-summer-jobs-program-help-businesses-and-young
Programs For Individuals
EXTENSION OF INCOME TAX DEADLINES AND PAYMENTS
The CRA is extending the tax filing deadline for personal income returns to June 1, 2020. If you think you’ll be eligible for a return, you can still submit early. Get tips on getting the most from deductions here. See section above related to deferral of taxes.
INCREASES TO THE CANADA CHILD BENEFIT
STUDENT LOANS PAYMENT DEFERRALS
CHILDREN (ONTARIO)
GRANTS FOR ELECTRICITY BILLS (ONTARIO)
HYDRO RELIEF (ONTARIO)
DOUBLE MONTHLY BENEFIT FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS (ONTARIO)
Low-income seniors could apply for double the monthly benefit through the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) benefit for for up to six-months
WORK LEAVE (ONTARIO)
Employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, who need to be away from work to care for children due to school and daycare closures, or who care for other relatives can apply for job-protected leave . Note: No medical note is needed.
For more details on Ontario’s financial support, visit : Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
The CRA is extending the tax filing deadline for personal income returns to June 1, 2020. If you think you’ll be eligible for a return, you can still submit early. Get tips on getting the most from deductions here. See section above related to deferral of taxes.
- You will also have until August 31, 2020 to pay your tax balance with no penalties or interest
INCREASES TO THE CANADA CHILD BENEFIT
- The maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is increased by $300 per child as part of the May payment.
- Criteria: If you’ve already received the CCB, the criteria has not changed. If not, you must be responsible for a child under 18 years of age. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, temporary resident who lived in Canada for the last 18 months with a valid permit, or an Indigenous person who meets the definition of ‘Indian’ under the Indian Act.
- How to Apply: If you already receive the CCB, no application is needed. It is typically done by paper during birth registration in a hospital. You can also apply online by signing into your CRA account and going to ‘apply for child benefits’. You should receive payment within eight weeks.
STUDENT LOANS PAYMENT DEFERRALS
- Students will be automatically given a six-month interest-free payment deferral on student loans effective March 30, 2020
CHILDREN (ONTARIO)
- One-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age and $250 for those with special needs to help pay for extra costs due to school and daycare closures
- $26 million in emergency assistance for Indigenous people in financial need, costs for healthcare, and critical supplies to reach remote First Nation
GRANTS FOR ELECTRICITY BILLS (ONTARIO)
- Grants up to $500 for electricity bills ($600 if your home is heated electrically) and $500 for natural gas bills available for low-income residents.
- Criteria: You're considered a low-income household (see if you qualify here) and are behind on bills or in arrears. You're at risk of being disconnected due to non-payment of bills.
- How to Apply: You will likely interview with a representative of a social service agency. You will need to provide identification, current electric and gas bills, a disconnection notice (if you received one), a copy of a rental contract, lease, or mortgage documents, proof of household income (income tax returns for adult members of the household, cheque stubs, employment letters), and a copy of your most recent bank statement.
HYDRO RELIEF (ONTARIO)
- Hydro prices will be lowered for 45-days to match the current off-peak rate of 10.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, saving households an estimated $20 a month.
- Disconnecting electricity for households and small businesses that fail to pay utilities will be banned until July 31.
- Payment flexibility plans with Hydro One
- How to Apply: Call 1-888-664-9376 Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
DOUBLE MONTHLY BENEFIT FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS (ONTARIO)
Low-income seniors could apply for double the monthly benefit through the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) benefit for for up to six-months
- Criteria: You're 65 years or older. You have lived in Ontario for the past 12-months or for a total of 20-years since turning 18. You have been a resident for 10-years or more. You receive the federal OAS pension and GIS payments. You have an annual private income of up to $1,992 if you're single or up to $3,984 if you're a senior couple.
- How to Apply: Application not needed if you receive the OAS and GIS payments.
WORK LEAVE (ONTARIO)
Employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, who need to be away from work to care for children due to school and daycare closures, or who care for other relatives can apply for job-protected leave . Note: No medical note is needed.
For more details on Ontario’s financial support, visit : Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19