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Source verified July 23, 2026
Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit
Tax credit for innovative Nova Scotia investors
Funding available
$ 112,500
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit is a non-refundable income tax credit for eligible investors in approved corporations in Nova Scotia to support innovation, with 35% support for individuals. Higher 45% support applies in oceans technology and life sciences, while corporate investors receive 15% for research, development, or commercialization of new technology.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 112,500 $
- Up to 45% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 100 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Equity capital investments in eligible Nova Scotia small and medium corporations engaged in innovative activities.
- Research, development, or commercialization of new technology, new products, or new processes.
Documents Needed
- Application for a Certificate of Registration
- Proposed Investor Form (Individuals)
- Proposed Investor Form (Corporations)
- Application for Tax Credit Certificates
- Statement signed by an authorized officer of the approved corporation; Investor Data Report; up-to-date Notarized Shareholder Register; copies of each share certificate or convertible debenture issued to each eligible investor; statements signed by each eligible investor; proof of payment for each eligible investment
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Eligible investors who invest in approved corporations
- Corporations resident in Nova Scotia that make eligible capital investments in eligible Nova Scotia small and medium size corporations engaged in innovative activities
- Approved corporations applying for tax credit certificates on behalf of eligible investors
How to apply
- Corporations need to apply for a Certificate of Registration before accepting investments from eligible investors.
- After a specified issue is complete, approved corporations must apply for tax credit certificates on behalf of all eligible investors who made eligible investments during the time the corporation was registered under the program.
- The application for tax credit certificates must be received within 6 months of the expiry date on the corporation's Certificate of Registration.
Processing and Agreement
- Tax credit certificates cannot be issued until all required documentation is submitted via email to the administrator.
- Approved corporations must apply for tax credit certificates on behalf of all eligible investors who made eligible investments during the time the corporation was registered under the program.
- Each annual return must be submitted within 6 months of the approved corporation's tax year end for each of the 4 years after the expiry date on its certificate of registration.
- Annual returns must be sent via email to the IETC administrator; paper copies are not accepted.
Additional information
- The program is administered by the Taxation and Federal Fiscal Relations Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board.
- Legislative authority comes from Section 37A of the Income Tax Act (Nova Scotia) and the Innovation Equity Tax Credit Regulations.
- IETC approval does not constitute any approval required from the Nova Scotia Securities Commission under the Securities Act (Nova Scotia), and due diligence is required from all applicants.
- Approval to complete a specified issue does not constitute an endorsement by government of the corporation; the Province does not guarantee any investment, and the investor is at risk for his or her investment.
- If there is a conflict between the Guidelines and the legislation or regulations, the legislation and regulations take precedence.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit Program
What is the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit is a non-refundable income tax credit for eligible investors in approved corporations in Nova Scotia to support innovation, with 35% support for individuals. Higher 45% support applies in oceans technology and life sciences, while corporate investors receive 15% for research, development, or commercialization of new technology.
How much funding can be received?
Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses, capped at $112,500 per project.
Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program?
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program, you must:
The investment must be made in an approved corporation.
The investee corporation must be an eligible Nova Scotia small or medium corporation engaged in innovative activities.
The investment must support research, development, or commercialization of new technology, new products, or new processes.
What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
Equity capital investments in eligible Nova Scotia small and medium corporations engaged in innovative activities.
Research, development, or commercialization of new technology, new products, or new processes.
Who can I contact for more information about the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at ietc@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-424-5388.
Where is the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit available?
The Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit is a Tax Credits