Tax credit for design in Quebec

For Quebec businesses that invest heavily in in-house design talent, the Tax Credit for Design in Quebec can help reduce the cost of building and retaining creative expertise. This refundable tax credit, administered through Revenu Québec with oversight from the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, is intended for companies that carry out eligible design activities internally rather than outsourcing them. It allows qualifying businesses to recover a portion of the salaries paid to approved designers or pattern makers working within the organization.

The program is particularly relevant for companies in the fashion sector, where internal design plays a central role in product development and brand identity. While the credit has historically applied more broadly, recent changes mean that industrial design salaries are no longer supported for newer fiscal years, making it especially important for businesses to understand how their design activities are classified. Funding levels vary depending on the project and payroll involved, but for eligible companies, the credit can represent meaningful, non-repayable support that improves cash flow and lowers overall employment costs.

Because the credit is claimed as part of a corporate tax return and requires specific government-issued certificates, planning ahead is essential. Businesses operating in Quebec that meet certain requirements and rely on in-house design may want to explore the full details to see how this tax credit fits into their broader financial and growth strategy.