Open
Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG)
Refundable tax credit for Alberta R&D investments
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 4,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2021
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program provides a refundable tax credit of up to $4 million per year for qualifying R&D spending in Alberta. It supports corporations carrying out scientific research and experimental development and is claimed through the corporate tax return process.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,000,000 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scientific research and experimental development carried out in Alberta
Documents Needed
- AT1 Alberta Corporate Income Tax Return
- Schedule 29 – Alberta Innovation Employment Grant
- Form AT4970 – Listing of SR&ED Projects Carried Out in Alberta
- Supporting documentation for qualifying expenditures
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Corporations
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Corporations carrying out R&D in Alberta
Who is not eligible
- Partnerships
- Trusts
- Individuals
- Corporations with $50 million or more in taxable capital
Eligible expenses
- Eligible SR&ED expenditures carried out in Alberta
- Alberta proxy amount, when applicable
- Repayments of government assistance or contract payments related to eligible SR&ED amounts
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- SR&ED expenditures not carried out in Alberta
- Expenditures not included in the federal SR&ED qualified expenditure pool
- Expenditures that do not qualify for federal SR&ED investment tax credit purposes
- Expenses incurred by partnerships, trusts, or individuals
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
How to apply
1
Verify Eligibility Ensure your corporation conducts R&D activities in Alberta.
- Confirm that your corporation's taxable capital is below $50 million.
- Verify that your expenditures qualify under the federal SR&ED program.
2
Collect Documentation Compile records of all R&D expenditures incurred in Alberta after December 31, 2020.
Calculate your corporation’s base level of R&D spending from the past two years for comparison.
3
Prepare the AT1 Tax Return Complete the Alberta Corporate Income Tax Return (AT1) for the applicable taxation year.
Ensure all corporate income tax calculations are up to date and accurate.
4
Complete Schedule 29 Fill out Schedule 29, which is specific to the Innovation Employment Grant.
Detail all qualifying R&D expenditures for the grant calculation.
5
Submit Tax Return File the completed AT1 return along with Schedule 29 to the Tax and Revenue Administration of Alberta.
Ensure submission occurs by the tax filing deadline to avoid any delays.
6
Wait for Confirmation Await verification of expenses and grant approval from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Receive confirmation once the grant has been processed.
Processing and Agreement
- TRA determines the grant after receiving Schedule 29 and the related federal verification.
- Payments are processed only after qualifying expenses are confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency and by Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration.
- If the grant exceeds tax payable, the excess is applied to amounts owing or refunded.
Additional information
- The program is open as of January 1, 2021.
- It is delivered through the corporate tax system.
- There is no formal application process.
- Eligible corporations claim it when filing annual corporate tax returns.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) Program
What is the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG)?
This program provides a refundable tax credit of up to $4 million per year for qualifying R&D spending in Alberta. It supports corporations carrying out scientific research and experimental development and is claimed through the corporate tax return process.
How much funding can be received?
Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $4,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program, you must:
Corporation with Alberta presence
R&D carried out in Alberta
Qualifying expenditures under SR&ED rules
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG)?
Scientific research and experimental development carried out in Alberta
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG)?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at TRA.Revenue@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-427-3044.
Where is the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) available?
The Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) is a Tax Credits