In general, tourists cannot claim back Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on purchases like clothing, electronics, or meals in Canada. The federal visitor rebate program was discontinued years ago. However, non-residents may be eligible for a refund on GST/HST paid on short-term, pre-booked accommodation or, in limited cases, for goods exported within 60 days.
If you are a non-resident visitor to Canada, you cannot claim a rebate of the GST/HST that you paid for purchases made in Canada.
Tourists buying goods from retailers who participate in the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) may claim a refund of the GST paid on purchases made in Singapore.
Requirements to make a claim
Tourists in Canada can take advantage of the tax rebate on eligible purchases to save money. Make sure to keep track of your receipts and visit the designated refund locations to claim your rebate. With a little planning, you can enjoy shopping in Canada and get money back on your purchases.
Visitors to Canada
Use this form if you are a non-resident visitor to Canada who paid goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) on eligible short-term accommodation or goods. Except for Quebec sales tax (TVQ), as explained below, sales taxes from other provinces are not eligible for this refund.
You must present the purchased items, original receipts, and your passport at the GST Refund Counter before check-in at the airport. ⚠️ Not all retailers allow receipts to be combined, and some may not offer refunds on both general and consumable goods. Always check in advance to avoid disappointment.
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax.
You should contact the retailer or refund agent about claims for refunds of VAT. Revenue does not administer the Retail Export Scheme or give refunds directly to tourists. Retailers or refund agents can direct enquiries to their Revenue office.
Companies: Use your GST/HST account in the "My Business Account" online portal to submit the claim. Individuals: File a GST/HST rebate through "My Account" by selecting "File a GST/HST rebate" under the "More services" section on the left side of the page.
The following documentary evidence is required to claim a refund under GST by registered tax payer.
Excess Payment of GST: If taxpayers have paid more GST than required due to errors, they can claim a refund for the excess amount. This situation often arises from clerical mistakes, miscalculation of tax, or payments made under the wrong tax heads.
Tourists visiting Canada are generally not eligible for a refund of the GST/HST paid on purchases made in Canada.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
You're required to file a tax return in the year you leave Canada if you have a tax balance owing or you'd like to receive a tax refund. In the tax year you leave, complete the general income tax and benefit package for your province or territory of residence on the day you emigrated from Canada.
No refund is possible without a (digital) customs stamp. If you are leaving the EU via Vienna International Airport you will be issued with a digital customs stamp. After deduction of a handling fee by the tax-free provider, the refund amounts to up to 15% of the purchase price.
When it comes to claiming VAT on travel expenses, the key is knowing what's eligible and what's not. While you can reclaim VAT on things like hotel stays, car hire, and fuel for company vehicles, other costs—such as flights and train tickets—are zero-rated, meaning there's no VAT to reclaim.
You can only reclaim VAT on purchases for the business now registered for VAT . They must relate to your 'business purpose'. This means they must relate to VAT taxable goods or services that you supply.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods purchased in Australia. The TRS located in T2 departures is after customs in the main tax and duty free store.
How to get a VAT refund in 3 simple steps?
You are eligible for this credit if you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the end of the month before and at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment (read When your GST/HST credit is paid). In the month before the CRA makes a quarterly payment, you must be at least 19 years old.
Unlike VAT, which is charged at multiple stages, GST is collected by the seller when the final consumer makes a purchase. For example, if a consumer buys a product, they pay GST on the final price, and the seller remits the entire tax amount to the government. There are no input tax credits for previous stages.
You can claim a refund if: