International business activity

The international business activity (IBA) program provides eligible corporations, certain foreign banks authorized to carry on business in Canada, and specialists employed by these entities a refund of the B.C. income tax paid on income related to the corporation’s international business carried on in B.C.

Budget 2017 Update eliminated the IBA program, effective September 12, 2017. Income earned on or after that date will not be eligible for a refund. Existing registrants will be able to file a return for the tax year that includes September 11, 2017 to claim a refund of the B.C. income tax paid on eligible income earned on or before that date. 

• Find detailed information on the elimination of the IBA program in Notice 2017-003, International Business Activity Program Budget 2017 Update (PDF, 140KB)

An eligible corporation or foreign bank authorized to carry on business in Canada must register itself, and any specialists employed by it, to qualify for a refund under the IBA program. A refund will be paid to a registered entity or an IB specialist only after all B.C. and federal income taxes for the tax year are paid.

Learn more details about the types of international businesses and specialists that are eligible, how to register and how to apply for a refund:

• Eligibility 
• Registration
• Payment options
• Refunds 
• Appeals 
• Rulings and interpretations   
• Frequently asked questions 
• Forms and publications