Other New Brunswick Business Credits & Deductions Directory (2025)

In addition to New Brunswick's major business tax credits for small business, innovation, media, and green investment, there are numerous additional provincial credits, deductions, and programs offering valuable support to eligible NB businesses. This directory summarizes key "other" New Brunswick business incentives, including book publishing credits, CEDIF (community economic development), charitable and political donation credits, property tax rebates, and more. Each section includes a summary, eligibility tips, application steps, calculation examples, and links to learn more or apply. Stacking with federal and municipal programs is possible in many cases.

Book Publishing Tax Credit
Refundable credit for NB-based publishers on eligible production and marketing costs for Canadian-authored books. Encourages local literary and educational publishing and sector growth.
Eligibility: Incorporated NB businesses engaged in book publishing (print or digital), with a permanent establishment in NB. Books must have Canadian content, minimum print runs, and meet content guidelines.
How to claim: Apply to Opportunities NB (ONB) or the relevant NB government agency for pre-approval with a project application and budget. After project completion, file the NB corporate tax return with the appropriate NB479 schedule, attaching the certificate and expense backup.
Calculation Example: Publishing 4 new NB-authored titles with $40,000 eligible expenses, credit rate 30% = $12,000 refundable credit.
Case Study: An NB publisher invests in a new print run and digital edition, claims the tax credit, and uses the refund to support new author signings the following year.
Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) Tax Credit
CEDIF credits encourage local investment in NB businesses through community-controlled investment funds. Investors claim a personal tax credit, while businesses benefit from new capital.
Eligibility: Businesses must be approved for CEDIF investment, often with a local economic development purpose or rural focus. Must follow NB registration rules and fund setup.
How to claim: Businesses apply to ONB or the CEDIF administrator to be included in the fund, provide investor documentation, and issue receipts to investors. Investors claim the credit on their personal NB tax return (NB428).
Calculation Example: An investor puts $15,000 in a CEDIF, claims a 30% individual tax credit = $4,500 NB tax reduction.
Case Study: A rural NB co-op raises $500,000 via CEDIF, uses funds to expand operations, and local investors benefit from a significant tax credit while supporting local jobs.
Charitable & Political Donation Credits
Donations by a corporation to registered NB charities or political entities may be eligible for non-refundable provincial credits, stackable with the federal credit.
Eligibility: Donations to an approved NB-registered charity or political party/candidate. Must receive an official receipt.
How to claim: Enter donation amounts on the NB479 schedule with your T2 return. Keep all receipts for at least 6 years.
Calculation Example: NB business donates $7,000 to a local charity, claims both federal and NB credits, reducing tax by over $2,800.
Case Study: A corporate donor times a large donation for a high-income year, maximizing the tax credit and carrying forward any unused portion.
Property Tax Rebates & Municipal Business Incentives
Many NB municipalities and the province offer property tax rebates or reductions to attract new business investment, expansions, or to help companies facing hardship.
Eligibility: Business property owners or tenants in cities with approved economic development, revitalization, or pandemic response programs. Usually requires proof of new investment, job creation, or hardship.
How to claim: Apply directly to your city/municipality or through Service NB. Provide property tax bills, investment receipts, and any required business case.
Calculation Example: Company renovates a Moncton warehouse, receives a 3-year property tax rebate of $10,000/year, freeing up funds for hiring.
Case Study: A Saint John manufacturer faces a downturn, applies for a municipal tax deferral, and is able to retain staff through the crisis.
Export Development & Market Expansion Support
NB offers grants, credits, and cost-sharing for businesses expanding into export markets, including trade show grants and consulting support.
Eligibility: Registered NB businesses, especially SMEs, seeking to grow outside the province. Must submit a project plan and export strategy.
How to claim: Apply to ONB or the relevant NB department/program before incurring costs. Submit invoices, boarding passes, and proof of participation.
Calculation Example: NB tech firm spends $20,000 attending a US trade fair, receives a 50% grant = $10,000 rebate.
Case Study: An agri-food startup receives a market-entry grant, secures a major contract at a European expo, and leverages success to access more federal export supports.
Other Provincial Deductions & Refundable Credits
Includes apprenticeship hiring credits, child care space creation incentives, wellness grants, and other targeted NB business supports that may not fit under major credit categories.
Eligibility: Program-specific; usually requires application, business registration, and proof of eligible expenditures.
How to claim: File the correct NB schedule (often NB479 or a special form) with your T2 return; keep all approval and expense documentation.
Calculation Example: Childcare provider opens 10 new spaces, receives $10,000 grant and a non-refundable credit for eligible capital costs.
Case Study: A manufacturer hires two apprentices, claims both the NB and federal apprenticeship credits, and receives a wage subsidy from a sector council.

Tip: For all NB business credits, keep thorough documentation and file the correct provincial schedules (e.g., NB479, NB S2) with your T2 corporate tax return. Municipal programs may require separate forms and business case documentation. Review annual NB budget updates for new opportunities or pilot programs.

Documentation & Audit-Readiness for Niche & Municipal Credits

Keep all original receipts, approval letters, grant agreements, property tax bills, and investment records for at least 7 years.
Maintain a dedicated file for each credit/program, noting the application year, supporting forms, correspondence, and payment confirmations.
For CEDIF, store all investor slips and fund documentation for both the business and investors.
For export grants, keep event photos, expense backup, boarding passes, and business outcome reports.
Be ready to provide a reconciliation of claimed credits if audited by NB Finance, CRA, or your municipality.
Respond promptly to audit queries and consult a tax professional for complex or multi-program claims.

Related NB Business Credits & Resources

NB Business Tax Credits Directory – Main menu for all NB business incentives.
Digital Media & Film Credits – Major refundable credits for tech/media firms.
Innovation & R&D Credits – Stacking tips for tech and R&D firms.
Clean Tech & Manufacturing Credits – Green and advanced manufacturing programs.
Hiring, Training & Apprenticeship Incentives – Wage subsidies, job grants, and workforce credits.
Canada-Wide Business Tax Credits – Federal credits and claim tips.

Practical Tip: Review NB government and municipal websites annually for new or updated programs, as many "other" credits are launched via pilot, sector, or pandemic-response budgets. Subscribe to NB business newsletters and consult your tax professional to capture all available opportunities.

FAQ: Other New Brunswick Business Credits

How do I prove CEDIF eligibility and claim the investor credit?

Businesses must be pre-approved by ONB or the CEDIF administrator. Investors receive a slip to claim the credit on their NB428 personal return. The business must keep all registration, investment, and compliance records for audit.

Are property tax rebates considered taxable income?

No, rebates are not taxable income, but you must reduce your property tax deduction/claim by the amount of rebate received. Retain all municipal correspondence for your files.

Can I claim both export grants and tax credits for the same expense?

Generally, you must deduct the grant/subsidy from eligible expenditures when calculating your tax credit. You cannot double-claim the same dollar, but you can stack programs for net out-of-pocket costs.

Can I combine a municipal and a provincial property tax rebate?

Yes, in most cases, but you must claim only the net tax paid after all rebates. Confirm with your city and province for stacking rules and required documentation.

What if I miss claiming a municipal credit or grant?

Late applications are often not accepted, but you can request retroactive consideration for some programs if you provide supporting documentation. For missed tax credits, file a T2 adjustment for up to three prior years. Attach receipts and a written explanation.

Where can I find a full list of NB business grants and credits?

Start with the NB Business Tax Credits Directory and GNB Services Directory. Sector associations (e.g., NB Innovation, ONB) also publish annual lists of available programs.

Official Resources & Further Reading

NB Department of Finance – Official guidance for tax credits, CEDIF, and property tax programs
Opportunities NB – Grants, export, and innovation support
CRA Corporate Tax Credits