Canadian Sales Taxes

In Canada, sales taxes are added to the cost of most purchases of goods and services. Only certain basic commodities such as food purchased in a grocery stores is not taxable.

Canada's national goods and services tax (GST in English, TPS in French) is fixed at 7%. In most provinces, a provincial sales tax of between 7% and 10% (PST) is also added to the cost of various goods and services. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the national and provincial sales taxes have been replaced by a harmonized tax of 15% known as HST in English, and TVH in French.

Tax refunds for non-Canadians

Visitors from abroad are eligible for GST and HST refunds on various products taken out of the country with them, as well as on the cost of short term lodging. To claim a refund, you must fill out an Application for Visitor Tax Refund attach all receipts for applicable purchases made in Canada, and submit to any Canada Customs Office. Some tourist information centres and hotels also process visitor tax refunds. In Québec and Manitoba, visitors may also request a refund for provincial sales tax (PST) paid.