In a bold step that underscores British Columbia’s dedication to digital innovation, the provincial government has announced a major upgrade to its Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC). Starting in September 2025, the tax credit rate will rise from 17.5% to 25% and—most importantly—will become a permanent part of the province’s economic strategy. This shift from a temporary incentive to a permanent program marks a turning point in how BC supports its dynamic interactive digital media sector.

Strategic Expansion of a Proven Catalyst

The IDMTC has long been a cornerstone for BC’s interactive digital media industry. Its renewal and expansion are more than routine updates—they’re a strategic investment in a sector that’s now a pillar of the provincial economy, generating $1.9 billion in GDP and supporting over 21,000 jobs.

The enhancements introduce two transformative elements:

  1. Increased Credit Rate: The jump from 17.5% to 25% represents a substantial increase in financial support for eligible companies, directly reducing the cost burden of talent acquisition and retention.
  2. Permanent Status: By removing the sunset clause that previously required periodic renewals, BC has eliminated a significant source of uncertainty that has historically complicated long-term strategic planning for companies in the sector.

These changes make BC a strong contender among Canadian digital media incentive programs. While Ontario and Manitoba both offer rates up to 40% through their respective OIDMTC and MIDMTC programs, BC’s move to make its credit permanent introduces a level of stability that’s just as valuable for companies planning long-term investments.

Beyond Rate Increases: Expanding Horizons for Animation

The tax credit expansion extends beyond simple rate adjustments. Notably, the revised program introduces new opportunities for animated productions with physical office presence in regional or distant locations. These productions may now qualify for additional location-based credits under either the Film Incentive BC tax credit or the production services tax credit.

This strategic amendment serves dual purposes:

  • Geographic Diversification: By incentivizing physical presence outside urban centers, the program actively promotes the distribution of economic benefits throughout the province.
  • Cross-Sector Integration: The alignment with film production incentives acknowledges the increasingly blurred boundaries between digital media, animation, and traditional film production.

To qualify for these regional benefits, companies must demonstrate substantial presence—workers must be physically located in these regional offices for at least 50% of their time dedicated to animation production within the taxation year. This requirement ensures that the geographic diversification goals translate into tangible economic activity in these communities.

Decoding the Eligibility Framework

For companies seeking to leverage this enhanced program, understanding the eligibility requirements remains essential. The IDMTC specifically targets registered corporations developing interactive digital media products that:

  • Are primarily intended to educate, inform, or entertain users
  • Present information using at least two of the following: text, sound, or images
  • Comprise a combination of application files and data files in digital format
  • Are developed within British Columbia

The program explicitly distinguishes between true interactive digital media and adjacent digital content. Products like blogs, online magazines, slide shows, non-interactive videos, PowerPoint presentations, video streaming applications, and social media products do not qualify. Beginning September 2024, products facilitating gambling with currency will also be excluded.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) products can qualify, provided they meet the interactivity criteria. The distinction hinges on meaningful user interaction—applications where user actions directly influence outcomes qualify, while those offering passive experiences do not.

Strategic Implications for Digital Media Companies

For companies working in BC’s digital media sector, these improvements bring several key advantages:

  • Talent Acquisition Leverage: The increased credit rate directly reduces the effective cost of technical talent, providing a competitive advantage in the global market for skilled developers, designers, and other digital media professionals.
  • Long-Term Planning Stability: The permanent status enables companies to make investment decisions with greater confidence, potentially increasing commitments to research and development and original IP creation.
  • Regional Expansion Opportunities: New regional animation credits encourage companies to expand beyond Vancouver, tapping into new talent pools and reducing costs in less competitive areas.
  • Increased Contract Competitiveness: The enhanced support may allow BC-based companies to offer more competitive pricing on contract work while maintaining profit margins.

Navigating the Application Process

While the enhancements bring significant benefits, companies must still navigate the application process effectively. The IDMTC operates as a refundable tax credit, first applied to reduce corporate income tax payable, with any excess issued as a refund.

To maximize benefits, companies should:

  • Register with the Ministry of Finance before claiming the credit
  • Ensure precise tracking of eligible salary and wage expenditures
  • Apply the appropriate rate based on when expenses are incurred (17.5% before September 1, 2025; 25% after)
  • Submit claims through the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Consider potential synergies with the federal SR&ED program for non-overlapping project costs

Conclusion: A Foundation for Digital Innovation

The enhanced IDMTC is more than just a tax break—it’s a clear sign of British Columbia’s commitment to building a world-class digital innovation hub. With increased financial support and unmatched long-term certainty, the province is giving companies the confidence to invest, innovate, and grow their digital media operations.

For companies navigating the complex landscape of digital innovation funding, this enhancement offers a powerful tool to reduce costs, increase competitiveness, and accelerate growth. While challenges certainly remain in the global digital media market, BC has positioned itself as a jurisdiction committed to partnering with industry for long-term success.

As the digital economy continues to evolve and expand, support mechanisms like the enhanced IDMTC will likely play an increasingly vital role in determining which regions emerge as leaders in the next generation of interactive experiences, games, and digital innovations.

FAQs

The IDMTC program has been strategically transformed through two pivotal changes:

  • Tax credit rate increases from 17.5% to 25% (effective September 2025)
  • Program becomes permanent rather than requiring periodic renewal
  • Delivers unmatched stability for companies planning their long-term strategies 
  • Offers more substantial financial backing for talent acquisition and retention

BC’s program now stands out among Canada’s digital media incentives: 

  • Ontario: Up to 40% through OIDMTC program
  • Manitoba: Up to 40% through MIDMTC program
  • Nova Scotia: Up to 50% of labor or 25% of total expenditures
  • BC’s unique edge: Permanent status gives companies the certainty they need for long-term investment 

Eligible projects must be:

  • Interactive digital media products that educate, inform, or entertain users
  • Present information using at least two of: text, sound, or images
  • Developed within British Columbia
  • Qualifying examples: Video games, educational software, simulators, interactive AR/VR

Non-qualifying content:

  • Blogs, online magazines, non-interactive videos, PowerPoint presentations
  • Video streaming applications and social media products
  • Products facilitating gambling (excluded from September 2024)

The enhanced program creates strategic advantages for regional animation:

  • Productions with physical offices in regional/distant locations may qualify for additional location-based credits
  • Promotes geographic diversification of economic benefits beyond Vancouver
  • Workers must be physically located in regional offices for at least 50% of production time
  • Applies to productions where principal photography begins on or after January 1, 2025

Optimization strategies include:

  • Register with Ministry of Finance before claiming credits
  • Implement precise tracking systems for eligible salary/wage expenditures
  • Apply appropriate rate based on timing (17.5% before Sept 2025; 25% after)
  • Submit claims through Canada Revenue Agency
  • Explore synergies with federal SR&ED program for non-overlapping costs

Companies gain multiple competitive edges: 

  • Talent Acquisition Leverage: Reduced effective cost of technical talent in global market
  • Long-Term Planning Stability: Greater confidence for investment in R&D and original IP
  • Regional Expansion Opportunities: Incentives to tap into talent pools outside Vancouver
  • Increased Contract Competitiveness: Ability to offer more competitive pricing while maintaining margins

At Boast.ai, we specialize in helping innovative companies maximize their R&D tax credits and government incentives, including programs like the IDMTC. Our AI-powered platform simplifies the identification of eligible projects and preparation of necessary documentation, saving you time and potentially increasing your returns.

Contact our team of experts today to learn how we can help you leverage BC’s enhanced Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit program.