BC COVID-19 Action Plan
On March 23, 2020, the BC Government announced its first steps to support people and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. The full announcement can be read here. Some of the highlights are listed below.
Supporting People
- One time tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians who receive Employment Insurance (EI) or the new federal Emergency Care Benefit or Emergency Support Benefit
- Enhanced BC Climate Action Tax Credits for some families and individuals
- Freeze on BC student loan payments for six months, starting March 30, 2020. Federal student loan payments are frozen as well.
- ICBC and BC Hydro extended deferrals
Supporting Businesses
Effectively immediately, BC is extending filing and payment deadlines for the following taxes until September 30, 2020:
- Employer Health Tax (EHT)
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST) (including municipal and regional district tax *)
- Carbon Tax
- Motor Fuel Tax
- Tobacco Tax
* Municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) is the additional 2 or 3% tax on accommodation.
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