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Maximize Your Refunds with the CRIC Tax Credit (Quebec)

Officially introduced by the Government of Quebec in the 2025–2026 Budget, the CRIC tax credit provides a refundable incentive of up to 30% to businesses investing in R&D, innovation, and pre-commercialization, as part of Quebec’s broader strategy to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and economic competitiveness.

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Up to 30% back on R&D, Innovation & Pre-Commercialization Expenses

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    What Is the CRIC Tax Credit?

    The CRIC tax credit is a new refundable tax incentive launched by the Government of Quebec in the 2025–2026 Budget.It complements the federal SR&ED tax credit, offering powerful dual benefits for innovative businesses.

    The CRIC tax credit was introduced to simplify Quebec’s innovation funding by replacing eight separate measures: the tax credit for R&D salaries, the credit for university and public research, the credit for private partnership pre-commercial research, the tax credit for technology adaptation services, the industrial design tax credit, the credit for subcontracting to CCTTs and ORCs, the tax holidays for hiring foreign researchers and experts, and the e-business development credit.

    Eligible companies:

    ● Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs)
    ● Quebec-based SMEs and large businesses
    ● Foreign-owned subsidiaries with Quebec operations

    Eligible expenses:

    ● Salaries for R&D and innovation
    ● Equipment and capital assets (CAPEX)
    ● Subcontracting (universities, CCTT, ORC)

    CRIC Tax Credit Highlights
    Expense CategoryRefundable%
    Salaries100%
    Equipment (CAPEX)100%
    Subcontracting50%
    CRIC Spending Brackets
    Spending BracketCRIC Rate
    First $1,000,00030%
    Above $1M20%

    How CRIC Can Save CCPCs Thousands

    A manufacturing company based in Québec, is investing boldly in innovation. In 2025, the company launched a growth initiative that included building a new R&D facility ($1,000,000) and purchasing advanced equipment ($500,000) to support commercialization and product development.
    • Salaries for R&D team $600,000
    • Equipment for testing (CAPEX) $300,000
    • Total Eligible Expenses $1,100,000
    • Subcontracting (CTT partner) $200,000

    Total CRIC Refund:

    $320,000 Want similar results for your company? arrow_outward arrow_outward

    FAQs

    All you need to know about the CRIC Tax Credit

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    What is the CRIC tax credit in Quebec?

    The CRIC (Crédit d’impôt pour la recherche et l’innovation commerciale) is a new refundable tax credit launched in the 2025–2026 Quebec Budget. It helps businesses recover up to 30% of eligible R&D, innovation, and pre-commercialization expenses.

    How is CRIC Tax Credit different from SR&ED?

    While SR&ED is a federal program focused on scientific R&D, CRIC is a Quebec provincial initiative that covers broader innovation activities, including pre-commercialization and equipment purchases.

    Who qualifies for the CRIC tax credit?

    Eligible businesses include:
    ● Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs)
    ● Québec-based SMEs and large enterprises
    ● Foreign-owned subsidiaries operating in Québec

    What expenses are eligible?

    ● Salaries of staff working on innovation
    ● Capital expenditures (equipment)
    ● Subcontracting to research organizations (e.g., universities, CTTs)

    Can CRIC be combined with other tax credits?

    CRIC cannot be combined with other Quebec tax incentives for the same expense (e.g., C3i). However, federal credits like SR&ED may still apply.

    When does CRIC Tax Credit apply?

    It applies to taxation years starting after March 25, 2025. The claim must be tied to a project previously started in Quebec.

    How much can my business claim in CRIC Tax Credit?

    ● 30% refund on the first $1M in eligible expenses (after exclusion threshold)
    ● 20% refund on any amount above $1M
    Subcontracting expenses are refunded at 50% of their value

    What is the exclusion threshold for CRIC?

    To qualify, eligible expenses must exceed:
    ● $50,000, or
    ● The sum of base amounts per eligible employee ($18,571 ×% of time on eligible activities)
    The higher of the two is applied.

    How do I apply for CRIC?

    You’ll need to:
    ● Identify eligible activities and expenses
    ● Ensure they align with CRIC criteria
    ● Submit your claim during your corporate tax filing.

    Our Leyton experts can help guide you through every step to maximize your refund.

    How long does it take to receive the CRIC refund?

    If properly filed and supported, CRIC refunds are typically processed by Revenu Québec within 60–90 days, depending on complexity and audit risk.

    Go Further: Articles to Help You Navigate the CRIC

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