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Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program Posted January 19, 2022 by Alicia Gewarges

The new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program provides support for fixed property tax and energy costs to businesses that are most impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant.  

• Eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures.  

• Eligible businesses required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their property tax and energy costs.  
• Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equal to 100 per cent of their costs. 

The Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program Guide includes a full list of eligible businesses and is available at ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs. 

Payments to eligible businesses are retroactive to December 19, 2021. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Business must be subject to a provincially-mandated capacity limit of 50 per cent or lower (including a requirement to temporarily close) 
• Business must pay commercial (non-residential) property taxes and/or non-residential energy costs – either directly or through the property owner (as detailed in their lease) 
• Not-for-profits and charities may be eligible if their operations/service is impacted by the capacity limits and meets the eligibility criteria. 

Application Process 

• To apply, visit Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs and follow the link to complete the online application.  
• Businesses are required to submit proof of costs associated with property tax and/or energy bills as part of the application process. 

Payment 

• Approved applicants will receive funds via Electronic Fund Transfer directly into their business bank account. Business bank accounts must be located in Ontario.  
• Funds will not be deposited into a personal account used for business purposes.  

Contact Information 

For questions contact ServiceOntario at:  

Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090  

TTY: 416-325-3408  

Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095  

Call centres are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT, excluding government and statutory holidays.