Other Nova Scotia Business Credits & Deductions Directory (2025)
In addition to mainstream Nova Scotia business tax credits for small business, innovation, and hiring, there are several provincial credits, deductions, and grants that support targeted business activities, community investment, and sector-specific growth. This page summarizes additional Nova Scotia programs your business may be eligible for in 2025. Explore further opportunities to reduce your tax bill, enhance cash flow, or access support for special projects and initiatives.
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Book Publishing Tax Credit — Refundable credit for qualifying Nova Scotia book publishers on eligible production and marketing costs. Designed to support the growth of local literary and educational publishing.
Eligibility: Incorporated NS publishers, Canadian-authored books, minimum print run/content requirements.
How to claim: File the Book Publishing Tax Credit schedule with your Nova Scotia corporate return (T2 + NS479). Attach eligibility certificate from NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage.
Example: A publisher with $50,000 eligible costs and a 25% credit receives a $12,500 refundable credit.
Documentation: Keep invoices, contracts, print run proof, and eligibility certificate. -
Charitable Donation Tax Credit — Nova Scotia corporations can claim a provincial tax credit for eligible donations to registered Nova Scotia charities, in addition to the federal charitable donation credit.
Eligibility: Gifts to qualified donees (as per CRA), with official receipts.
How to claim: Enter donation on NS479 with the T2 return.
Example: A $5,000 donation could yield a 16.5% provincial + 15% federal credit on the first $200, higher rates above.
Documentation: Keep all donation receipts for audit. -
Property Tax Rebate Programs — Some Nova Scotia municipalities offer property tax rebates, reductions, or incentives for eligible business property owners—especially for heritage, downtown, or revitalization projects.
Eligibility: Local business property owners, heritage/downtown revitalization, new construction/renovation.
How to claim: Apply through your municipality; submit property tax bills, proof of eligibility, and application forms.
Example: A $1,000 rebate on $10,000 property tax paid.
Documentation: Keep approval letters, receipts, municipal correspondence. -
Export and International Business Support — Nova Scotia businesses expanding into export markets can access various government grants, tax supports, and funding for trade missions, market entry, and international sales growth.
Eligibility: Registered NS businesses, especially SMEs seeking new export markets.
How to apply: Submit online application at Nova Scotia Business Export Programs.
Example: Up to $15,000 grant for attending a trade show.
Documentation: Keep grant approval, invoices, proof of travel/expenses. -
Co-operative & Social Enterprise Credits — Specialized tax credits and grants may be available for Nova Scotia-based co-operatives, social enterprises, and community economic development projects.
Eligibility: Registered NS co-ops/social enterprises.
How to claim: Apply through NS Department of Finance or Invest Nova Scotia; receive eligibility certificate, then claim on T2/NS479.
Example: A worker co-op receives a $5,000 refundable credit on eligible wages.
Documentation: Membership lists, wage records, co-op registration certificates. -
Other Provincial Incentives — Explore credits and supports for:
- Childcare and workplace inclusion programs (apply via NS Department of Labour or Early Childhood Development)
- Energy efficiency retrofits for small business (through Efficiency NS or NS Power)
- Community economic development and investment funds (CEDIFs; apply through NS Finance)
- Culture and creative sector grants (via Arts NS or NS Creates)
Example: A small business receives a $2,000 Efficiency NS rebate for a lighting retrofit.
Documentation: Keep all receipts, program approvals, and final reports.
Expert Tip: Many lesser-known Nova Scotia credits require early application or pre-registration. Always retain supporting documentation and review the most current eligibility rules, as programs can change year-to-year. If stacking with major credits (e.g. SBD, Innovation, Hiring), deduct any grant received from eligible expenses for the main credit.
Combining with Major Nova Scotia & Federal Credits
- Book Publishing, Co-op, and Export credits can often be stacked with the Nova Scotia Small Business Deduction, provided you do not double-claim the same expense.
- Charitable donations can be claimed alongside all other credits, both provincially and federally.
- Energy efficiency grants must be deducted from eligible expenditures if also claiming the Capital Investment Tax Credit or CCA.
- Example: A publisher claims the Book Publishing Tax Credit, SBD, and federal innovation credit on different expense categories, maximizing overall refund.
Practical Examples
- Book Publisher: ABC Books Ltd. (Halifax-based) spends $60,000 producing a new Canadian title. With a 25% Book Publishing Tax Credit, they receive $15,000. After deducting this, they claim the SBD on the remainder of their income.
- Charity Donation: A Nova Scotia business donates $2,000 to a local food bank. They claim $330 (16.5%) as a provincial credit and $300 as a federal credit, reducing their tax bill by $630.
- Export Grant: OceanTech Ltd. receives a $10,000 grant for a US trade mission. They claim travel costs less the grant for any other credits.
FAQ: Other NS Business Credits
Can I claim both Book Publishing and Innovation credits?
Yes, if the expenses are for separate activities (e.g. book production vs. digital R&D). Do not double-claim the same cost. Keep distinct documentation for each claim.
What documentation is needed for small grants?
Retain all receipts, approval letters, payment confirmations, and final reports. If audited, you must prove eligibility and use of funds.
Can new startups access these credits?
Yes—provided they are incorporated in Nova Scotia and meet the eligibility for each program. Some grants are open to sole proprietors as well.
How do I know if a municipal rebate is available?
Check with your local city or municipal economic development office. Programs change annually and by location.