COVID-19: Help for Businesses

This summary is strictly for information purpose only, it is not law and not exhaustive. We have no additonal information.
The situation is changing regularly. Please visit trusted government websites for the most complete and up-to-date information.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
NEW INFORMATION MAY 2
Please click on the link above for more specific information about eligibility, reporting periods and how to apply
- The CERB is available to workers who have stopped or are delayed in working because of COVID-19. Eligibility requirements and conditions have to be met upon initial application and subsequent renewals.
- Important phone numbers
- FAQ’s with this automated help line 1-833-966-2099
- to speak with an agent about CERB 1-800-959-8281
- to apply call the automated toll-free line 1-800-959-2019 you will have to confirm your identity with your SIN and your postal code
- Online application
- through CRA’s My Account – click here
- My Service Canada Account – click here
- on the portal
Wage Subsidies
- NEW INFORMATION – May 15
- 10% Wage Subsidy. – every company with employees is eligible for this regardless of revenue
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- federal payroll subsidy of up to 75%
- eligibility requirements are changing – check the websites for the most current information
- eligibility claim periods have been extended to August 29
- Refund for Certain Payroll Contributions
- available for employers eligible for CEWS who have employees on leave with pay
- 100 per cent refund for employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan
- please click on the appropriate CRA websites above for more specific information regarding revenue calculation, eligibility, calculation of subsidy and payroll contribution refunds
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
NEW PROGRAM INFORMATION APRIL 17
- FedDev Ontario will be delivering the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund in southern Ontario, which will provide:
- financing support to small- and medium-sized businesses.
- support rural businesses and communities, including by providing them with much-needed access to capital through the Community Futures Program.
- Details of the new Fund will be launched nationally in the coming weeks.
- Keep checking the FedDev Ontario page, it will be updated with all the information.
- Contact FedDev Ontario to navigate the process
- Toll-Free: 1-866-593-5505
- Email form – click here
Income Tax Payment Extension
- payment of income tax amounts (including installments) that are owing after March 18 and before September 1 are due Sept 1, 2020
- no interest or penalties will accumulate during this period
- please click on the link above for more specific information regarding the details of the extension
GST/HST Remittance Deferral
- payment of remittance amounts has been extended until June 30, 2020
- filing dates for HST returns have not changed, original due dates are still applicable
- please click on the link above for more specific information
WSIB Financial Relief Package
- premium reporting and payments deferred until August 31, 2020
- please click on the link above for more specific information
Corporation & Charity tax filing due date
- Corporation filing dates and payment due dates have been extended
- Charities with Form T3010 due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are also extended
- please click on the link above for more specific information
Business Credit Availablity Program
- Canada Emergency Business Account
- to qualify, the business 2019 T4 summary must indicate wages between $50,000 and 1 million
- up to $40,000 line of credit
- Loan Guarantee Program
- for small and medium sized businesses creating new operating credit and cash flow term loans from financial institutions
- Co-Lending Program with Business Development Bank of Canada
- for small to medium sized businesses
- term loans for their operational cash flow requirements
- may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $5 million per loan
- please click on the CRA links above and contact your financial instution for more specific information
Deferral of Customs Duty and Sales Tax for Importers
- payment deadlines for statements of accounts for March, April, and May are being deferred to June 30, 2020.
Corporate Tax Credit
- 10% tax credit for regions experiencing lagging employment growth
CRA Audit Activity
- no new post assessment GST/HST or income tax audits until April 15
- temporarily suspend audit interaction with taxpayers (in most cases)
Liason Officer Service
- now available by phone, through an online application
- ensuring businesses are aware of any changes such as –
- filing and payment deadlines
- proactive relief measures, etc
Important Links
- These measures were announced throughout March 2020 – some have been legislated – some are announcements
- Over the next few days and weeks, specifics to these programs will be finalized.
- Most of the details will be released on one of these four webpages: