Key Takeaway Box
- The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) is a quarterly payment that returns the fuel charge proceeds to Albertans and other Canadians in provinces where the federal carbon pricing system applies.
- The CCR amounts for Alberta residents will increase in 2024-25, as the fuel charge rate rises from $40 to $50 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- A family of four in Alberta can receive up to $1,800 under the base CCR in 2024-25, and up to $2,160 with the rural top-up.
- To receive the CCR, Albertans need to file their annual tax return and check the corresponding box on their tax form.
- The CCR is designed to make life more affordable and encourage cleaner choices for Albertans, while ensuring big polluters pay their fair share.
What Is CCR?
Hey, Hustlers! Do you want to get some money back from the government while helping the environment? If you live in Alberta or one of the other provinces where the federal carbon pricing system applies, you may be eligible for the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR).
The CCR is a quarterly payment that returns the fuel charge proceeds to Albertans and other Canadians in provinces that request it or do not have their own carbon pricing system that meets the federal benchmark¹. The fuel charge is a fee that is applied to fossil fuels based on their carbon content, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and propane¹.
The CCR is part of the federal government’s plan to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan includes putting a price on carbon pollution, which makes it more expensive to emit carbon and encourages cleaner choices for consumers and businesses². The plan also ensures that most households get more money back than they pay, with lower-income households benefiting the most².
How to Claim Canada Carbon Rebate?
Claiming the CCR is easy and simple. All you need to do is file your annual tax return and check the corresponding box on your tax form¹. You can use the online calculator to estimate how much CCR you will receive based on your province, household size, and income.
For Albertans who are registered for direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency, the CCR will be deposited directly into their bank account every three months; otherwise, the CCR will be delivered via cheque¹. For those who have a spouse or common-law partner, the person who files their tax return first will receive the CCR amount for all members of the household, including children¹.
The first CCR payment for 2024-25 will be issued in April 2024, followed by additional payments in July 2024, October 2024, and January 2025¹. The federal government is encouraging financial institutions to consistently label the CCR direct deposits that Albertans receive in their bank accounts every three months².
CCR Eligibility Check
To be eligible for the CCR, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a resident of Alberta or one of the other provinces where the federal fuel charge applies.
- You are 18 years of age or older, or you have a spouse or common-law partner, or you are a parent who lives with your child.
- You file a tax return for the year.
In addition to the base CCR amount, you may also qualify for a rural top-up if you live outside a census metropolitan area (CMA), as defined by Statistics Canada, or in a rural area within a CMA that meets certain criteria. Starting in 2024-25, the rural top-up will be doubled from 10 percent to 20 percent, in recognition of rural Albertans’ higher energy needs and more limited access to cleaner transportation options. To receive the rural top-up, you must check the corresponding box on your tax return.
CCR Amounts for 2024-25
The CCR amounts for 2024-25 vary depending on the province, the number of people in the household, and the rural status of the residents. The table below shows the quarterly and annual CCR amounts for Alberta and household size, with and without the rural top-up¹.
| Province | First Adult | Second Adult | Each Child | Family of 4 | Rural Top-up |
| Alberta | $225 | $112.50 | $56.25 | $450 | 20% |
As you can see, a family of four in Alberta can receive up to $1,800 under the base CCR in 2024-25, and up to $2,160 with the rural top-up. These amounts reflect the increase in the fuel charge rate from $40 to $50 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, which will take effect on April 1, 2024². The fuel charge rate will continue to increase by $15 per tonne each year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030².
All We Know
The CCR is a key component of the federal government’s plan to tackle climate change and make life more affordable for Albertans and other Canadians. By putting a price on carbon pollution, the government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050². By returning the fuel charge proceeds to Albertans and other Canadians through the CCR, the government ensures that most households get more money back than they pay, with lower-income households benefiting the most.
The CCR is also an incentive for Albertans and other Canadians to make cleaner choices and reduce their carbon footprint. For example, by switching to more energy-efficient appliances, driving less or using public transit, or choosing renewable energy sources, Albertans and other Canadians can save money on their fuel costs and increase their CCR amount². The CCR also supports the development of a clean economy, as businesses and industries that reduce their emissions can lower their fuel costs and become more competitive².
The CCR is one of the ways that the federal government is helping Albertans and other Canadians transition to a low-carbon future. By providing financial support and encouraging behavioural change, the CCR is making a difference for the environment and the economy. If you want to learn more about the CCR and how it affects you, you can visit the official website or contact the [Canada Revenue Agency].
Source: (1) Liberals rebrand carbon-tax rebates, amounting to rise as much as 17% in April. https://calgaryherald.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/carbon-tax-rebates-rebrand-amount-rises-april. (2) Carbon tax rebate amounts increasing in April, rebranding stirs controversy. https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2024/02/15/carbon-tax-rebate-amounts-increasing-in-april-rebranding-stirs-controversy/. (3) Liberals rebrand carbon-tax rebates, amount to rise as much as 17% in April. https://calgaryherald.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/carbon-tax-rebates-rebrand-amount-rises-april. (4) Liberals rebrand carbon-tax rebates, amount to rise as much as 17% in April. https://calgaryherald.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/carbon-tax-rebates-rebrand-amount-rises-april.