The Province of British Columbia has announced that beginning this week, the majority of B.C. residents will automatically receive an enhanced Climate Action Tax Credit as part of the province’s COVID-19 action plan.
More than 80 per cent of families will receive the one-time credit as part of the $5-billion action plan that was announced in March to help British Columbians and businesses cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many British Columbians are still worried about how they can cover costs such as transportation so they can return to work, pay for groceries and find day camps for their children,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “The enhanced climate action tax credit puts extra money in the pockets of British Columbians for their household expenses and to spend at local businesses. This is a needed boost as we work together to restart the economy.”
Prior to the plan, the scheduled July payment was up to $43.50 per adult and up to $12.75 per child. An eligible family of four was set to receive up to $112.50.
Eligible individuals will now receive up to $218, children will receive up to $64 in a one-time increase and a family of four will receive up to $564 – an increase of $174.50 for individuals, $51.25 for children and a lift of $451.50 for a family of four – according to a press release from the province on Thursday.
“The enhanced credit is part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan that is helping make sure people and businesses have the support they need while B.C. works through its restart plan.
The plan includes the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers that was recently expanded to include workers whose jobs were affected by COVID-19 between March 1 and March 15.
British Columbians will receive the climate action tax credit along with their federal GST/HST returns.
Those who are eligible for the enhanced benefit will automatically receive it if they have completed their B.C. 2019 income tax return.
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