Stacking
Can you stack Provincial R&D Tax Credits and Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)?
Yes. Provincial R&D Tax Credits and Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) can be combined. They fund different things, so the trick is simple: apply to each separately and never claim the same dollar twice.
01/Tax Credit
Provincial R&D Tax Credits
3.5–30% of eligible R&D costs
Most provinces offer their own R&D tax credits on top of the federal SR&ED credit. Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Alberta all have programs that can significantly reduce the net cost of innovation.
Who qualifies: incorporated; Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia; all industries
02/Tax Credit
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)
8–12% of eligible R&D expenditures
Ontario's refundable tax credit for businesses conducting R&D in Ontario. Smaller companies get a higher rate. Even if you have no taxable income, you can get a cheque from the government.
Who qualifies: incorporated; Ontario; all industries
How to stack them
- 01Confirm you meet each program's eligibility on its own. Provincial R&D Tax Credits and Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) are assessed separately.
- 02Apply to each program through its own application. There is no combined form.
- 03Allocate distinct costs to each program. You cannot claim the same dollar of expense under both, but you can fund different parts of the same project.
- 04Track both deadlines and keep the paperwork separated, so each claim stands on its own.
Stacking rules vary by program and change over time. Confirm the current rules with each program, or take the quiz and we will flag the combinations you qualify for.
More combinations
BC Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit + Provincial R&D Tax CreditsProvincial R&D Tax Credits + Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit (ORDTC)Provincial R&D Tax Credits + Quebec R&D Tax Credit (RS&DE)Provincial R&D Tax Credits + Saskatchewan R&D Tax CreditMitacs Accelerate + Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) + Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) + Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit (ORDTC)Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) + Small Business Deduction (SBD)