CRA indicates that non-cash taxable benefits are not “eligible remuneration” for CEWS purposes, but are “remuneration” for “eligible employee” purposes

An “eligible employee” of an eligible entity excludes an individual who is without remuneration by the eligible entity in respect of 14 or more consecutive days in a qualifying period ending before July 5, 2020. CRA considers that “remuneration” for purposes of this 14-day test includes taxable benefits, even though non-cash taxable benefits received by the employee are not eligible remuneration for purposes of computing the wage subsidy. The allocation of taxable benefits to particular days for purposes of the 14-day test is a “question of fact.”

Neal Armstrong. Summary of 15 January 2021 External T.I. 2020-0847781E5 under s. 125.7(1) – Eligible Employee.