CRA introduces calculator to help employers with wage subsidy applications

The federal government has introduced a special calculator to further encourage employers to re-hire workers using the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

The calculator is on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit website, which also includes information for employers about who can apply for subsidy, how to access it and how it’s calculated. It includes a printable statement feature and provides employers with additional details about their subsidy claim.

Read: A legal update on the government’s CEWS and CERB programs

The government will be holding a series of information sessions for eligible employers in the coming days to help them make more informed decisions about re-hiring workers. The CRA is also encouraging employers to sign up for and use its My Business Account or Represent a Client portals through which they’ll be able to make their applications. The application process will open on April 27. Claims will be subject to verification and will begin to be approved on May 5.

“Following on the successful delivery of Canada Emergency Response Benefit payments to millions of Canadians, I am confident in the CRA’s ability to administer this critical fiscal measure that will provide urgently needed support for Canadian employers and workers,” said Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier, in a press release. “Launching the CEWS calculator is an important first step to ensuring employers are equipped to apply for the subsidy.”

Read: Employers to have easier time accessing coronavirus wage subsidy program