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Ontario

21.5% Base Rate +18% OCASE on VFX labour combined with federal
Service Production (QPE) Last updated: April 2026

Toronto's world-class soundstages, the diverse urban streetscapes of the GTA, and Ontario's expansive backlot capabilities.

Ontario's OPSTC provides 21.5% of qualified production expenditure (QPE) — a hybrid model that includes both labour and eligible non-labour costs like equipment, studios, and services. The federal PSTC (16% on labour) stacks separately. Because these credits apply to different bases, they don't simply add — the effective combined benefit depends on your cost structure. The OCASE credit adds 18% on Ontario VFX labour and can now be claimed standalone.

Incentive Programs

OPSTC Base21.5% of qualified production expenditure (QPE — includes labour + eligible services/property)
OCASE18% on Ontario computer animation and special effects labour (separate credit, stackable)
Federal PSTC+16% on qualified Canadian labour (applies to labour portion only, stacks with OPSTC)

Post-Production & VFX Standalone Eligible

Yes — both OPSTC and OCASE apply to post-production. Since March 2024, OCASE can be claimed standalone without requiring OFTTC or OPSTC certification.

Minimum Spend

Ontario labour must be ≥25% of total QPE. If labour is under 25%, QPE is capped at 4× your labour expenditures. OCASE minimum: $25,000 Ontario VFX labour.

VFX Rate

OCASE provides 18% on Ontario VFX labour, stacking with the 21.5% OPSTC on QPE. On VFX labour, the combined Ontario rate is effectively ~39.5% before federal credits.

Toronto is home to major VFX houses and post facilities. Ontario's hybrid QPE model is broader than pure labour credits — equipment, studios, and services count. OCASE covers computer-aided animation, digital VFX, and chroma-key shooting.

Key Details & Nuances

Admin BodyOntario Creates + CRA (T2SCH558)
QPE IncludesWages, service contracts, equipment, studios, software — not insurance, financing, or story rights
Labour MinOntario labour ≥ 25% of QPE (or QPE capped at 4× labour)
Location CapLocation rental capped at 5% of QPE
OCASE Min$25,000 Ontario VFX labour per production
OCASE Fee0.15% of eligible expenditures ($500 min, $10K max)

Last updated: April 2026. Always confirm current rates with the provincial film commission before budgeting.

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