CDAE-IA Tax Credit Quebec
Get up to 30% tax credit on eligible salaries for AI integration projects (typically 24% refundable + 6% non-refundable)
Estimate my CDAE-IA creditWhat is the CDAE-IA tax credit
The tax credit for the development of electronic businesses integrating artificial intelligence (CDAE-IA) replaces the traditional CDAE starting in 2026. This government program offers up to a 30% tax credit on eligible salaries, typically combining a 24% refundable and 6% non-refundable component, for employees working on projects that significantly integrate artificial intelligence.
CDAE-IA aims to support Quebec companies that innovate by integrating AI into their electronic business solutions. It is a substantial tax assistance that can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for eligible companies.
30% Tax Credit
Typically structured as 24% refundable + 6% non-refundable on eligible salaries
No Salary Cap
Unlike the old CDAE, no limit of $83,333 per employee
Easy Process
Turnkey support from assessment to credit receipt
CDAE-IA Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CDAE-IA, your company must meet several key criteria.
1. IT Revenue Percentage
A significant proportion of your activities must come from eligible IT NAICS activities. Depending on the certification criterion being assessed, thresholds commonly reference 75% and 50% activity shares.
2. Services Provided
Authorities may review the ultimate beneficiary of services (including dependency links between companies) and whether personnel leasing activities are genuinely attributable to eligible IT NAICS services.
3. Minimum Employees
You must employ at least 6 full-time technical employees for the entire financial year.
4. AI Integration
Your projects must significantly integrate artificial intelligence in electronic business solutions.
5. Quebec Establishment
Your company must be established in Quebec and incorporated under provincial or federal law.
Eligible Expenses and Activities
Commonly assessed categories for CDAE-IA include the following technical activities:
IT Consulting Services
Advisory and implementation work related to improving electronic business processes through technology, especially development, integration, maintenance, or evolution of systems and infrastructures.
Information Systems
Work contributing to the development and integration, and secondarily to maintenance and evolution, of information systems and technological infrastructures.
E-commerce Solutions
E-commerce solution design and development can be considered eligible. Activities tied to monetary transactions are generally eligible only when incidental to qualifying system development or integration activities.
Security Services
Development of security and identification services may be included when aligned with the program's technical criteria.
Benefits of CDAE-IA
Significant Financial Support
Up to 30% tax credit on eligible salaries can represent substantial savings for your company, allowing you to reinvest in innovation and growth.
No Salary Cap
Unlike the old CDAE program, CDAE-IA has no salary cap, allowing you to claim credits on higher salaries and maximize your benefits.
Support for AI Innovation
This program specifically encourages the integration of artificial intelligence in electronic business solutions, positioning your company at the forefront of innovation.
Competitive Advantage
By maximizing your tax credits, you can reduce your costs and invest more in research, development, and talent acquisition.
Our Process
Free Assessment
We analyze your company's situation and determine your eligibility for CDAE-IA.
File Preparation
Our team prepares all necessary documents, builds a strong CDAE-IA declaration, and ensures compliance with government requirements while minimizing your internal workload.
Submission & Follow-up
We submit your file and handle all communications with government authorities.
Credit Receipt
You receive your tax credit and can reinvest it in your business growth.
FAQ
What is the credit rate for CDAE-IA?
For eligible salaries, your company can generally access a total of up to 30% in tax credits (commonly structured as 24% refundable and 6% non-refundable portions), subject to current program rules.
What expenses or activities are typically eligible?
Eligible work can include IT consulting services tied to e-business process improvements, information system development and integration, certain e-commerce solution development, and security or identification services, depending on how the work is performed and documented.
What are your fees?
We primarily operate on a success-based model, which means our fees are a percentage of the tax credit you receive. If you receive nothing, you pay nothing. This motivates us to maximize your claim. We also offer fixed pricing or guaranteed hourly rate options depending on your needs.
How long does the process take?
The complete process, from initial assessment to receiving the credit, can take several months. However, the most intensive part for your team (information gathering) is usually concentrated over a few weeks. Our goal is to minimize the impact on your daily operations.
What are our chances of success?
Our files are prepared to maximize approval chances, with a pre-assessment process that filters risky cases. Our expertise in file preparation and our in-depth knowledge of eligibility criteria give you peace of mind.
What happens in case of verification or refusal?
In case of a request for additional information or verification from the government, we handle all communications and preparation of necessary documents. If a file were to be refused (which is rather rare for files we prepare), our fees would not apply.
How do I know if my company is eligible for CDAE-IA?
Your company is potentially eligible for CDAE-IA if at least 75% of your revenue comes from IT activities and you employ at least six full-time employees for the entire financial year working on projects that significantly integrate artificial intelligence. During our free assessment, we analyze your specific situation and give you a clear answer on your eligibility.
What is the difference between CDAE and CDAE-IA?
CDAE-IA requires significant integration of artificial intelligence in your projects, unlike the old CDAE which accepted all electronic business development activities. CDAE-IA also offers a major advantage: there is no longer a salary cap of $83,333, allowing you to claim credits on higher salaries. Depending on your situation, other programs may also apply.
Can I combine CDAE-IA with other tax credits?
Yes, in many cases you can combine CDAE-IA with other tax credits such as SR&ED. Our team will analyze your situation to identify all opportunities and maximize your total benefits.
What documents do I need to provide?
The required documents vary depending on your situation, but generally include payroll records, project descriptions, time tracking, and technical documentation. We will provide you with a detailed list after the initial assessment.
Testimonials
Very satisfied with Avinova's support. They quickly identified our needs. Their expertise and efficiency brought great value to our company.
— Guillaume Tremblay, VP Finance, GFT Technologies
A great team, well-organized and efficient to help you navigate through all the grants and tax credits available for your company.
— Éric Pinet, CEO, Unicorne
The Avinova team was incredible. They simplified a process that seemed insurmountable to us and allowed us to obtain a tax credit much larger than we expected.
— Patrick Sabourin, President, NOVOLOGIK INC.
Ready to Maximize Your CDAE-IA Tax Credit?
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