Enriched Investment Tax Credit (PEI): How to Claim It for Your Business

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

Enriched Investment Tax Credit (PEI): How to Claim It for Your Business

If your PEI business is investing in new equipment, the Enriched Investment Tax Credit can reduce your provincial tax bill by covering part of the cost. This program offers a 25% corporate tax credit on eligible manufacturing and processing equipment, which is much higher than PEI’s standard 10% credit. Applying at the right stage can help you get approved.


How the Enriched Investment Tax Credit Works in Prince Edward Island

The Enriched Investment Tax Credit (EITC) is a provincial corporate income tax credit managed by Innovation PEI. It supports export-focused businesses that invest in advanced equipment to grow or modernize their operations.

What the credit covers

  • Credit amount: Up to 25% of eligible project costs
  • Type: Corporate income tax credit (You may need to pay back the credit if you do not meet all program requirements.)
  • Purpose: Capital investments in qualified manufacturing and processing equipment

This program is different from PEI’s standard Corporate Investment Tax Credit of 10%. Eligible businesses receive the higher rate because they operate in priority sectors and focus on exports.

Who is eligible

To claim the Enriched Investment Tax Credit, your business must:

  • Be located in Prince Edward Island
  • Be registered and actively operating in PEI
  • Manufacture, process, or develop goods or services mainly for export
  • Operate in one of PEI’s strategic sectors, including:
    • Bioscience
    • Aerospace and defence
    • Advanced manufacturing and processing
    • Renewable energy and clean technology
    • Information and communications technology (ICT)
    • Creative and cultural industries
  • Be in good standing with the province (no defaulted debts on PEI’s Central Default Registry)

Some businesses outside these sectors may still qualify if they produce first-of-its-kind exportable goods or services, but approval is up to Innovation PEI.

Eligible expenses

The credit applies to capital costs for qualified manufacturing and processing equipment. This usually includes:

  • New or used production machinery
  • Specialized equipment used to manufacture or process export-ready products
  • Equipment directly tied to scaling or modernizing production

General operating costs, labour, and marketing expenses are not eligible.


How to Claim the Enriched Investment Tax Credit

Claiming the Enriched Investment Tax Credit is not automatic. Timing and documentation are important.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility before you invest

Innovation PEI expects businesses to confirm eligibility before or during the investment phase, not after equipment is already in use. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter PEI tax credits by sector and project type.

Step 2: Apply through Innovation PEI

You must submit a project application to Innovation PEI outlining:

  • Your business activities and export markets
  • The equipment being purchased
  • Total project costs and timelines
  • How the investment supports growth or competitiveness

Step 3: Make the investment and keep records

Once approved, complete the equipment purchase and keep:

  • Supplier invoices
  • Proof of payment
  • Installation or commissioning records

These documents support both Innovation PEI review and your corporate tax filing.

Step 4: Claim the credit on your PEI corporate tax return

The approved tax credit is applied against your provincial corporate income tax. If you do not meet all program requirements, you may need to pay back the credit.


Tips for a Successful Application

  • Prepare clear documentation: Keep all invoices and proof of payment organized from the start.
  • Check eligibility early: Don’t wait until after your purchase—ask Innovation PEI or use GrantHub to check if your project qualifies.
  • Describe your export plans: Show how your investment will help you reach export markets, as this is a main requirement.
  • Stay in touch: If you have questions, contact Innovation PEI staff for help with your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Buying equipment before confirming eligibility
    Retroactive approvals are not guaranteed. Always check first.

  2. Assuming all equipment qualifies
    Only equipment used directly in manufacturing or processing is eligible. Office or general-purpose assets are usually excluded.

  3. Ignoring export requirements
    Businesses focused mainly on local PEI or Canadian markets often do not qualify.

  4. Overlooking repayment conditions
    This is not a refundable grant. Failing to meet program terms can mean you must repay the credit.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Enriched Investment Tax Credit in PEI?
It is a provincial corporate tax credit that covers up to 25% of eligible manufacturing and processing equipment costs for export-focused businesses in strategic sectors.

Q: Is the Enriched Investment Tax Credit refundable?
No. It is a repayable corporate tax credit, meaning it reduces provincial tax payable but may need to be repaid if conditions are not met.

Q: Do ICT and clean technology companies qualify?
Yes. ICT, renewable energy, and clean technology businesses are explicitly listed as eligible strategic sectors.

Q: Can startups apply for the Enriched Investment Tax Credit?
Startups may qualify if they are actively operating, export-focused, and investing in eligible equipment. Early-stage companies without export activity often do not qualify.

Q: How much can my business receive?
The maximum support is 25% of eligible project costs, with no published minimum investment threshold.


  • Advanced Marine Technology and Aerospace Tax Rebates in PEI: Eligibility Guide
  • What Expenses Are Eligible Under Equity Investment Incentive Programs in PEI?
  • PEI Labour Rebate: Employer Eligibility Guide

Next Steps

Getting the Enriched Investment Tax Credit can help reduce your equipment costs and support growth, but your project must fit PEI’s requirements. To make your application process easier, follow these steps:

Checklist for Claiming the Enriched Investment Tax Credit:

  • Confirm your business is in an eligible PEI sector and mainly exports products or services
  • Check your eligibility before making any equipment purchases
  • Prepare a clear application for Innovation PEI, including export plans and project details
  • Keep all invoices, proof of payment, and installation records for your equipment
  • File your corporate tax return with the approved credit and monitor compliance with program rules

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and tax credit programs across Canada, including PEI incentives. Using these resources helps you plan investments with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.


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