Processing Time for Tax Credit Applications within the Service Standard

Service Standard & Processing Time

Creative BC’s service standard for processing applications to the Film Incentive BC (FIBC) and the Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) programs is 120 days from the date a complete application is received, 90% of the time. Incomplete applications, outstanding information or missing documents will delay the issuing of certificates. An application is deemed complete when the administration fee has been paid and all documents are available for the analyst’s review. This is when the service standard days start being counted. During Creative BC’s review of the application, days continue to be counted while an analyst is waiting for an applicant to respond to questions. The last day counted is when the production is certified on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Creative BC’s service standard for processing pre-certification registrations to the PSTC programs is 5 days from the date received, 90% of the time. Incomplete registrations, incorrect or duplicated information will delay the issuing of pre-certification number necessary for the PSTC application.

First-Come First-Served Queue

Creative BC remains committed to a first-come, first-served queue process, and as of April 1, 2024, will no longer be accepting requests for priority reviews, which were previously undertaken on a case-by-case basis.

The Tax Credit department’s processing time consistently meets the service standard, ensuring timely review of complete applications and registrations submitted on time.

If you have any inquiries about the status of your application and pre-certification registration, please do not hesitate to contact the Tax Credit department at taxteam@creativebc.com.