Payroll tax credit – CFI

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Payroll tax credit – CFI a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Payroll tax credit – CFI is a Tax Credits

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Payroll tax credit – CFI?

Payroll tax credit – CFI is funded by Revenu Québec

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Payroll tax credit – CFI?

You can contact Revenu Québec.

Q: Where is the Payroll tax credit – CFI available?

The Payroll tax credit – CFI program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Payroll tax credit – CFI program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Payroll tax credit – CFI program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Montréal, QC

Payroll tax incentive for international financial sector employers in Montreal

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Tax Credits

Eligible Industries

Finance and insurance

Funds Providers

Revenu Québec

Program status

Open

Overview

The Payroll Tax Credit – CFI provides financial support to eligible corporations specializing in international financial transactions established in the Montreal area, offering a tax credit on eligible salaries for full-time employees engaged in qualifying activities. The program is designed to encourage job creation in the international financial sector, though the maximum funding amount is not specified.

Activities funded

Conducting eligible international financial transactions as part of ongoing business operations.
Carrying out administrative support activities directly linked to qualified international financial transactions.
Undertaking activities related to contracts primarily focused on executing qualified international financial operations.
Engaging in a combination of the above administrative and contractual activities within international financial services.

Eligibility

The company must be specialized in international financial transactions and operate a business or part of a business established in the Montreal agglomeration.
All company activities must consist of eligible international financial transactions or contracts, or a mix of both eligible activities.
The company must obtain a certificate from the Minister of Finance as an operator of an international financial centre (CFI).
The company must receive an annual certificate from the Minister of Finance confirming its valid CFI operator certificate and that it carries out eligible activities requiring a minimum of six full-time eligible employees at all times.

Who is eligible?

Corporations specializing in international financial transactions
Businesses operating as International Financial Centres (CFI) in the Montreal area

Who is not eligible

Tax-exempt companies.
Crown corporations or wholly owned subsidiaries of Crown corporations.

Eligible expenses

Salaries paid to eligible employees related to international financial transactions or contracts.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies operating within the agglomeration of Montreal.

How to apply

Enter tax credit information

Enter the name of the tax credit on one of lines 440p to 440y of the corporate income tax return
Indicate the tax credit code (89) and the claimed amount in the designated spaces

Assemble required documents

Attach the prescribed form CO-1029.8.36.CI to the tax return
Attach a copy of the eligibility certificate issued by the Minister of Finance for the CFI’s activities for the year
Attach a copy of the eligibility certificate issued by the Minister of Finance for each eligible employee for the year
Prepare and retain detailed payroll records for eligible employees
Prepare proof that the tax credit is included in the company’s income if applicable

Submit documents with tax return

Attach all prescribed documents to the corporate tax return
If unable to attach, send the documents no later than the deadline: the later of 12 months after the filing deadline or 3 months after the eligibility certificate is issued
Include the company name, identification and file numbers, and fiscal year-end date on all mailed documents
Prefer sending all documents in one package for faster processing
Electronic submission is permitted if software supports it; paper documents are not needed in this case

Additional information

If transmitting documents by mail, include the company name, identification numbers, and fiscal year-end date on each document.
All documents should be sent together in a single package to expedite processing.
Applications can also be submitted online through authorized software providers; physical documents are not required in this case.
Requests will be processed only upon receipt of all required certificates, even if sent after the applicable deadline.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Payroll tax credit – CFI Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Payroll tax credit – CFI. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Payroll tax credit – CFI?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Payroll tax credit – CFI?

Conducting eligible international financial transactions as part of ongoing business operations. Carrying out administrative support activities directly linked to qualified international financial transactions. Undertaking activities related to contracts primarily focused on executing qualified international financial operations. Engaging in a combination of the above administrative and contractual activities within international financial services.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Payroll tax credit – CFI a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Payroll tax credit – CFI?

Who is eligible for the Payroll tax credit – CFI program?

To be eligible for the Payroll tax credit – CFI program, you must: Must have a valid certificate as an operator of an International Financial Centre (CFI) from the Minister of Finance. Must carry out exclusively eligible international financial transactions or related administrative support activities within the Montreal area. At all times, must employ at least six eligible full-time employees.