Government Bill · 30L1S · No. 20
The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Investment Tax Credit Act
Summary
This Act creates a tax credit program for people who invest in eligible small and medium businesses or registered venture capital corporations in Saskatchewan. Investors can receive a rebate of up to 45% of their investment through provincial income tax credits, with caps on how much individuals can invest annually and how much each business can raise.
The Act establishes a tax incentive to encourage investment in Saskatchewan small and medium enterprises. If you invest in a business or venture capital fund that has registered under this program, you can claim a provincial tax rebate worth up to 45% of what you invested. For example, if you invest $10,000 in an eligible business, you could receive a $4,500 tax credit. There are limits: individual investors can put in up to $500,000 per business annually, and each eligible business can raise a prescribed maximum (the exact amount will be set in regulations). If you sell your shares or the business redeems them within three years, you must repay the tax credit. The program runs from 2025 until at least June 30, 2028, though that deadline may be extended. Investors cannot take control of the business (no more than 50% ownership), and businesses must use the funds in ways the Act permits. The minister maintains a public register of eligible businesses and venture capital corporations. Penalties apply for false statements or misuse of funds.
What this bill changes
- Creates a new 45% provincial tax credit for investments in eligible small and medium businesses
- Caps individual investment at $500,000 per business per year to qualify for the tax credit
- Limits venture capital corporations to claiming $225,000 in total tax credits annually
- Requires investors to hold shares for at least three years or repay the tax credit with interest
- Prohibits investors from controlling more than 50% of an eligible business
- Establishes a public register of eligible businesses and venture capital corporations maintained by the minister
- Sets penalties up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations for contraventions including false statements
Legislative timeline
- First reading Mar 27, 2025
- Second reading Mar 31, 2025
- Committee (ECO) Apr 14, 2025
- Third reading May 13, 2025
- Royal assent May 13, 2025
Received royal assent on May 13, 2025, and will come into force on a date set by order of cabinet.
Details
- Sponsor
- Kaeding, Warren (SaskParty)
- Comes into force
- On Order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council
- Specified bill
- Yes
- Official sources
- Bill PDF