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Incentive Database

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.

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

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