Manitoba businesses forced to close due to widespread wildfires can now defer provincial tax payments without facing penalties, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced Thursday.
The relief measure allows affected companies to request penalty and interest waivers on retail sales tax, health and post-secondary education tax levy, and other provincial tax returns when they are able to resume normal operations.
“Our government is stepping up to help businesses who have not been able to operate due to the wildfire situation,” said Sala. “Our main priority as a government has been to keep people safe and supporting Manitobans impacted by wildfires.”
Relief addresses capacity challenges
The finance minister noted many wildfire-affected businesses currently lack access to financial records, technical resources or staff capacity needed to meet tax filing deadlines.
The province’s wildfire season has been particularly severe this year, with multiple communities evacuated and businesses shuttered across Manitoba.
“This wildfire season has been worse than many in recent years and we’re using every tool available to us to help Manitobans during this challenging period,” said Sala.
Matching donation program extended
The federal and provincial governments are also matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfire Appeal, tripling the impact of each contribution. The matching program runs for 30 days, retroactive to May 28.
Businesses seeking tax relief information can visit the provincial finance department’s taxation website. Emergency information and resources for evacuees are available through MBReady, the province’s emergency preparedness portal.
The tax deferral program takes effect immediately and will remain available as long as wildfire impacts continue affecting business operations across the province.
