The Government of Ontario is offering a number of grants for businesses affected by public health measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Private citizens may also be eligible for tax credits.
Grants for Businesses
For Small Businesses That Are Subject to Closure Under the Modified Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen
The Ontario government is providing targeted relief for businesses and people impacted by the current public health measures aimed at blunting the spread of the Omicron variant. As part of this plan, the government is introducing a $10,000 grant for eligible businesses that are subject to closures under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen and is providing additional electricity-rate relief for businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home. Visit the Ontario’s website for more information.
For Event and Festival Organizers
Ontario’s government announced the launch of the Reconnect Ontario 2022 program for eligible festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Festival and event organizers continue to adopt innovative approaches to delivering programming that engages people across the province. The Reconnect Ontario program supports festivals and events that have a tourism economic impact and motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, reconnect people with local experiences and generate increased tourism spending. For information on the program, please see the Reconnect Ontario Application Guide. The deadline to apply for the Reconnect Ontario 2022 program is Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 5 p.m. (EST).
Eligible Businesses That Are Required to Close or Reduce Capacity
Through the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program, eligible businesses will receive rebate payments equivalent to 50 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to the current capacity limits. This will provide support to businesses that are expected to be most impacted financially by the requirement to reduce capacity to 50 per cent. Examples of businesses that will be eligible for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program include restaurants, smaller retail stores and gyms. A full list of eligible business types will be made available through a program guide in mid-January 2022. Visit the Ontario’s website for more information.
Regional Advisors are available to assist with questions about the application process.
Tax Credits for Residents
For Vacations (Staycations) In Ontario
The temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022 aims to encourage Ontario families to explore the province, while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19covid 19 pandemic.
Ontario residents can claim 20 per cent of their eligible 2022 accommodation expenses – for example, for a stay at a hotel, cottage or campground – when filing their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return for 2022. You can claim eligible expenses of up to $1,000 as an individual, or $2,000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family. Visit Ontario’s website for more information.
For Employees Working From Home
For the 2021 and 2022 tax years, employees working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be able to claim up to a maximum of $500 using the temporary flat rate method. As an employee, you may be able to claim certain home office expenses (work-space-in-the-home
