I have a question about the tax in Canada.?

Question

I'm planning a trip to Canada soon. I'm an American citizen. I've heard there's a procedure you follow in Canada to get back some of the money you pay in tax while you are there. Can anyone please explain how this works?

Answer 1

You have to spend $50 or more, before tax, on each receipt, and your total purchases must cost more than $200. You will get back the GST (7%) or HST (in Atlantic provinces) but not PST (fluctuates from province to province). You can claim the rebate on goods that you take back with you to the States and hotels, but not on services and/or meals. The best way to submit your paperwork is directly with the government. Some private companies offer an instant rebate service but they take a percent of your rebate.

All the info you need is below.

Answer 2

Just to add to the above:

It is on anything non-consumable i.e. you can't get it on gas, food, drinks, smokes

You can also get it back on your hotel stay provided you have met the minimum.

Most hotels have the forms at the front desk or concierge. All the above are right they will try to sucker you in to getting your "instant" rebate right there but you lose a lot of money doing that. Just ask for the forms and be on your way.

You can also pick them up at the Duty-Free Shops in Canada if you are not flying.

Remember the minimums though that were stated above, if your receipts are less than that they won't count.

Have fun :)

Answer 3

You can pick up the application at an airport...you're best to mail it in because businesses offering instant rebates will charge you a percentage.

Answer 4

you get a percent of the gst back (goods & services tax) but you have to file for it and takes some time. Went to vancouver BC for a week last year. e-mail for any other info.