ACTIVITIES

TAX REFUND

Did you know that tourists to Canada are eligible for a tax refund?

BritishColumbia.com works in conjunction with National Tax Refund Service to assist visitors to Canada with applications for the refund of sales taxes paid while in Canada. This service gives you access to National's expertise, gained from the experience of processing thousands of claims. An intimate knowledge of the eligibility criteria allows National to maximize your claim and expedite the entire process procedure. Let the experts take care of the paperwork and the administrative formalities. You simply complete and print the Tax Refund Form and post it to National along with your receipts for accommodation and/or goods purchased. National does the rest!

Eligibility: You qualify for a tax refund if you meet ALL of these conditions:

You are not a resident of Canada.
You are not an employee of the federal or provincial government living abroad. (for example, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, consulates, etc.)
You submit original receipts only. (copies, credit or debit card receipts will be rejected)
All Goods Receipts must be stamped before you leave Canada.
Accommodation receipts do not need to be stamped.
Each receipt shows a minimum purchase of CAN $50 (before taxes).
Your purchases for eligible goods and accommodation (before taxes) total at least CAN $200.
Your claim is submitted within 10 months from the date of purchase

New rules from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency for the Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada.

Important Information

If you leave Canada from one of the 9 international airports (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Mirabel, Halifax) or by Ship from Pier 21 at Halifax Harbour or Puglsey Terminal in St.John NB, and you wish to obtain a refund of the taxes paid on eligible Goods, new regulations require that you must have your eligible Goods available for inspection and the associated receipts stamped by Canada Customs agents before you leave the country.

Receipts that are not stamped are not eligible.
Hotel invoices do not have to be stamped.

If you travel by other modes such as ferry, train, or non-charter bus, where there is no Customs presence, you must submit your original boarding pass or original carrier ticket with your application.

Eligible Expenses

Accommodation
You can claim a refund on taxes paid on campground fees and eligible accommodation (room charge only) if both of these conditions apply:

You have paid taxes on the price of a hotel room for no more than 30 days (by accommodation)
Each receipt shows the number of nights of accommodation
In the case of travel tour packages, you can claim 50 % of the total amount of taxes paid (for example, if meals, transportation, guided tours and recreational fees were included in the price of the room).

Goods

You can receive a refund for taxes paid on goods you take home with you. These goods must leave Canada within 60 days from the date of purchase (proof may be required).

For the purchase of a vehicle, you must enclose the following documents with your claim.

Original Bill of Purchase
Proof that the vehicle was exported out of Canada
Copy of the vehicle's registration from your country of residence
Copy of your driver's license

Goods and services NOT ELIGIBLE for a tax refund

Meals and beverages (alcoholic or not)
Tobacco products
Fuel
Film developing

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VISITOR INFORMATION
Tax Refund