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Source verified July 23, 2026
Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit
Refundable tax credit for Ontario mineral exploration
Latest source updateLast Update: September 18, 2026Latest change: Ontario updated the credit page to distinguish mineral and critical mineral exploration claims and revised the eligibility and calculation language.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 18, 2026
Latest change: Ontario updated the credit page to distinguish mineral and critical mineral exploration claims and revised the eligibility and calculation language.
Ontario tax credit eligibility and calculation updated
Ontario revised the credit page so it now describes claims for both Ontario mineral mining exploration expenses and Ontario critical mineral mining exploration expenses. The eligibility language was rewritten to focus on qualifying Ontario mining exploration activities, and the page now includes a combined-credit example. The claiming instructions were also lightly updated, while the filing forms and submission route remain the same.
Funding available
Up to 5% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers a refundable tax credit of 5% for eligible Ontario mineral exploration expenses. It supports mineral exploration in Ontario and claims linked to eligible flow-through shares and qualifying resource expense forms.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 5% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Mining exploration activities in Ontario.
- Activities to determine the existence, location, extent, or quality of a mineral resource.
- Environmental studies and community consultations linked to exploration.
Documents Needed
- Personal Income Tax and Benefit Return
- Ontario Credits form (ON479) and T1E-OVP — Declaration for the Ontario targeted flow-through share tax credit
- Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Resource Expenses form (T1221)
- Credit certification documents from the mining exploration company
- Statement of Resource Expenses (T101) or Statement of Partnership Income (T5013)
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals.
- Partnership members.
- Estates filing a final return.
Who is not eligible
- Trusts.
- Corporations.
- Corporate partners.
Eligible expenses
- Prospecting, surveys, drilling, trenching, and test pits.
- Labour, field supervision, contractors, consultants, supplies, and equipment rental.
- Related indirect costs such as transport, sample shipment, food and lodging, and equipment mobilization in Ontario.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses related to an existing mine or its extension.
- Canadian development expenses and exploration-development overhead expenses.
- Seismic data purchases and expenses related to oil or gas wells.
- Legal and financial costs tied to financing or property payments.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Ontario residence status.
- Eligible flow-through shares purchased from a qualifying mining exploration corporation.
- Eligible Ontario exploration expenses reported on the required forms.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete tax return
- Prepare your Personal Income Tax and Benefit Return.
- Step 2: Complete required forms
- Fill out Form ON479.
- Fill out Form T1221.
- Step 3: Attach supporting documents
- Attach T101 or T5013 certification documents if filing a paper return.
- Step 4: Submit your return
- File your tax return through the CRA filing method you use.
Processing and Agreement
- Claim is reviewed when the tax return is assessed.
- Any excess credit is issued as a tax refund after assessment.
- Keep supporting documents if filing electronically, as CRA may request them later.
- Formal objections follow the CRA notice of assessment or reassessment process.
Additional information
- The credit is refundable.
- It can be claimed on a personal income tax return, even with no tax owing.
- It can be claimed individually, through a partnership, or on a deceased taxpayer's final return.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit Program
What is the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit?
This program offers a refundable tax credit of 5% for eligible Ontario mineral exploration expenses. It supports mineral exploration in Ontario and claims linked to eligible flow-through shares and qualifying resource expense forms.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit Funds up to 5% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit program, you must:
Ontario resident taxpayer.
Eligible flow-through shares purchased.
Ontario mining exploration corporation.
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit?
Mining exploration activities in Ontario.
Activities to determine the existence, location, extent, or quality of a mineral resource.
Environmental studies and community consultations linked to exploration.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit?
You can contact Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or by phone at 1-877-627-6645.
Where is the Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit available?
The Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit program is available the province of Ontario.