If your Ontario-based business spends money on research and development, you could be missing out on valuable support. The Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) is a refundable provincial tax credit that can return up to $240,000 per year to eligible corporations, even if you owe no Ontario corporate tax. Claiming the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit the right way helps you get the most money back.
The Ontario Innovation Tax Credit is an 8% refundable tax credit for eligible scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) work performed in Ontario. It is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Finance and works closely with your federal SR&ED claim.
You cannot claim the OITC on its own. It must be claimed together with the federal SR&ED Investment Tax Credit.
To claim the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit, your corporation must meet all of the following conditions:
The OITC is designed for small and mid-sized corporations:
For taxation years that begin after May 31, 2016, the main details are:
For taxation years that straddle June 1, 2016, the rate is prorated. For years ending before that date, the rate was 10%.
Eligible expenses must also qualify under federal SR&ED rules and be reported on Form T661. Common examples include:
Only expenditures incurred in Ontario are eligible for the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit.
Here is how most businesses claim the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit:
Prepare your federal SR&ED claim
File your federal corporate tax return (T2)
Claim the OITC on your Ontario corporate tax return
Keep detailed records
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter SR&ED-related credits by province and business size in seconds, so you know what to prepare for before filing.
Assuming you qualify without a federal SR&ED claim
If your federal SR&ED is denied or reduced, your OITC is reduced as well.
Missing income or capital phase-outs
Many businesses overestimate their credit without applying the $500,000 income threshold correctly.
Claiming non-Ontario expenses
Only SR&ED performed in Ontario counts, even if your company operates elsewhere.
Weak technical documentation
Poor SR&ED descriptions can trigger reviews and delay both federal and provincial refunds.
Q: Is the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit refundable?
Yes. The OITC is fully refundable, even if your corporation owes no Ontario corporate income tax.
Q: Can startups with no revenue claim the OITC?
Yes, as long as the corporation meets SR&ED eligibility rules and income thresholds. Many early-stage tech companies qualify.
Q: Do I apply for the OITC separately from SR&ED?
No. The OITC is claimed through your Ontario corporate tax return after filing your federal SR&ED claim.
Q: What is the maximum Ontario Innovation Tax Credit I can receive?
For most current tax years, the maximum credit is $240,000, based on $3 million in eligible SR&ED expenditures at an 8% rate.
Q: How long does it take to receive the OITC refund?
Timing depends on CRA and Ontario processing, especially if your SR&ED claim is reviewed. Delays are common if documentation is incomplete.
Claiming the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit starts with understanding your SR&ED eligibility and income thresholds. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and tax credit programs across Canada, including SR&ED-linked incentives, so you can see which ones fit your business profile before you file.
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