Minister drops into Niagara Falls offering up a big tax credit

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Published March 11, 2022 at 1:16 pm

Lisa MacLeod, shown here during a different announcement, was in Niagara Falls yesterday to promote the government's Staycation Tax Credit. (Photo: Niagara Falls Business Development)

Conservative MPP Lisa MacLeod dropped into Niagara Falls yesterday (March 10) to send a message to traveling families just before March Break. The message was simply: “Why not stay here instead?”

In fact, MacLeod came aimed with an appetizer that that would make any Clifton Hill restaurateur dizzy – a big fat tax credit.

As the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, MacLeod reminded residents that the Province offers up a Staycation Tax Credit, giving back 20 per cent on their eligible accommodation expenses for leisure stays in the province this year.

“The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will help make travel more affordable and encourage Ontarians to explore their own province, reinvigorating local tourism economies by delivering a much-needed boost to local businesses while keeping Ontario competitive in the global market,” MacLeod told the crowd.

While the credit is only temporary, meant to prop up the flagging tourism industry, it will allow Ontario residents to claim eligible accommodation expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families.

And while Niagara Falls isn’t the only tourist area in the Province, it is, by far, the most popular. Mayor Jim Diodati made it clear that his city’s doors are open to all.

“With more than 40,000 people in Niagara who rely on tourism to support their families, this tax credit offered by the province will make a big impact,” Diodati said.

“Hospitality is what Niagara Falls does best and with programs that we have had in place throughout the pandemic, like safetoplay.ca and safetostay.ca we are ready, our doors are open and we are thrilled to welcome more visitors from across Ontario.”

Between January 1 and December 31, 2022, Ontario residents could get back up to 20 per cent on eligible accommodation expenses for stays between January 1 and December 31, 2022, at hotels, motels, lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, cottages, campgrounds and other short-term accommodations in Ontario – basically, any place that is subject to GST/HST.

With the proper receipts, residents will be able to apply for the credit when they file their 2022 personal Income Tax and Benefit Returns in 2023.

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