What Is It?
The Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) is a refundable tax credit based on eligible Ontario labour expenditures and eligible marketing and distribution expenses claimed by a qualifying corporation with respect to interactive digital media products.

To be eligible for the OIDMTC a product must be an interactive digital media product whose primary purpose is to educate, inform, or entertain, and that achieves its primary purpose by presenting information in at least two of: (i) text, (ii) sound and (iii) images. Types of interactive digital media products that may be eligible for the tax credit include but are not restricted to games, educational and informational products. Operating system software is not eligible for the tax credit.

What Types of Products Are Eligible for the Tax Credit?
There are four types of products that can be claimed under the OIDMTC: non-specified products, specified products, eligible digital games developed by a qualifying digital game corporation, and eligible digital games developed by a specialized digital game corporation. To be eligible for the OIDMTC a product must be an interactive digital media product whose primary purpose is to educate, inform, or entertain, and that achieves its primary purpose by presenting information in at least two of: (i)text, (ii)sound and (iii) images. Types of interactive digital media products that may be eligible for the tax credit include but are not restricted to games, educational and informational products. Operating system software is not eligible for the tax credit.

How much is the Tax Credit?
The OIDMTC is calculated as 40% of eligible Ontario labour expenditures and eligible marketing and distribution expenses incurred after March 26, 2009 by qualifying corporations, regardless of size of corporation. For expenditures incurred prior to March 26, 2009 a reduced rate of tax credit will apply.

How is the Tax Credit Administered?
The OIDMTC is jointly administered by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) – an agency of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Application is made to the OMDC for a certificate of eligibility, which the production company files with the Canada Revenue Agency together with its tax return in order to claim the OIDMTC. The amount of the credit, net of any Ontario taxes owing, will be paid to the qualifying corporation. If the qualifying corporation does not owe any taxes, the full amount will be paid out.