The province is extending tax filing deadlines for businesses impacted by COVID-19, Premier Brian Pallister and Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced.

“Manitoba businesses are facing a challenging economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and we want to help them out by giving them more time to submit provincial taxes,” said Pallister. “Some businesses may need access to these extra funds and we want to provide them with that flexibility. The allowance is one of several measures our government has introduced to help Manitobans cope during this trying and uncertain time.”

The province will extend the April and May filing deadlines for small and medium-sized businesses with monthly remittances of no more than $10,000. It is estimated this could help more than 20,000 businesses in Manitoba, the premier noted. Businesses will have up to two additional months to remit retail sales taxes and the Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Levy, commonly called the payroll tax.

“This extension gives small and medium businesses a two month breather to deal with COVID-19,” said Fielding. “This global pandemic is impacting all Manitobans and while we focus our resources and energy on the health of Manitobans, we must be mindful of the financial toll the pandemic is having on businesses and families. Over 95 per cent of Manitoba business are small or medium sized, and they need government support through this difficult time.”

The minister noted the department will work with businesses regarding flexible repayment options above the $10,000 cap.

Further information regarding filing requirements will be available Monday on the Manitoba Tax Publications page on the Finance Taxation website at gov.mb.ca.