Government boosts climate action tax credit
The B.C. government is boosting the climate action tax credit in a one-time increase to help cover costs in the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting this week, more than 80 per cent of families and individuals in B.C. will automatically receive the extra money along with their GST/HST returns.
The boost includes an extra $174.50 for individuals, and a $51.25 increase for children, which B.C. Finance Minister Carole James said Thursday is double the annual amount eligible households would have received before B.C.’s COVID-19 action plan.
A family of four could see an increase of $451.50.
“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 James in a statement.
“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.”
Before the pandemic hit, 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.
British Columbians will get 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 2019 B.C. income tax return.