
Manitoba — Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
- Open continuously
Overview
Refundable corporate income tax credit of 40% of wages paid to Manitobans working on interactive digital media projects in Manitoba, up to a maximum of $500,000 per project.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop workforce skills
- Up to 40% of project cost
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- Information and cultural industries
- Manitoba
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Canadians
Next Steps
Activities funded
The Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit supports the creation and commercialization of interactive digital media products. These projects must involve digital media that users can actively engage with through software and data files.
- Development of interactive video games featuring non-linear user participation.
- Creation of simulators that incorporate interactive elements for educational or training purposes.
- Design of participatory e-learning products that require user input and interaction.
Documents Needed
- Certificate of Eligibility Application
- Project Description
- Commercialization Plan
- Project Budget and Funding Sources
- Declaration of MB Residency/Consent Form
- 3rd Party Declaration Form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit include taxable Canadian corporations with a permanent establishment in Manitoba. To qualify for the tax credit at the specified rates, these corporations must meet certain conditions regarding residency and labour expenditure requirements. Specifically, the corporation must pay at least 25% of its salaries and wages to Manitoba residents to qualify for a 40% tax credit. Alternatively, corporations that pay less than 25% of their salaries to Manitoba residents can qualify for a 35% tax credit, provided they incur at least $1 million in qualifying Manitoba labour expenses annually. Furthermore, eligible products must be interactive digital media that is non-linear and participatory, such as video games or e-learning tools.Who is not eligible
- Companies developing operating systems.
- Companies developing products used primarily for interpersonal communication.
- Companies developing promotional products.
- Companies developing adults-only rated video games.
- Companies developing products for internal use.
Eligible expenses
Eligible projects for the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit are those that involve the development of interactive digital media products. These products must be non-linear and interactive, allowing users to engage with the media as participants rather than passive viewers.
- Development of video games.
- Creation of simulators.
- Production of multi-pathed, participatory e-learning products.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Bonuses tied to profits or revenues.
- Stock options.
- Signing bonuses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility.
- Program staff may contact applicants within two weeks with follow-up questions or items.
- Full application review typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Additional information
The Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit has been adjusted in Budget 2023 to allow for more inclusive labour expenses:
- Expanded eligibility for labour expenditures now includes project-related bonuses and employee benefits directly attributable to the project.
- However, bonuses tied to profits or revenues, stock options, and signing bonuses remain ineligible under the tax credit.