Changes to GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program

One of the joys of traveling to Canada from the U.S. has been getting rebates on the GST and HST on major purchases you made (e.g., hotel rooms).

Unfortunately, on March 19, the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program was sacked in favor of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program.

Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) are the provincial taxes comarable to the state and local taxes in the U.S. They are generally more punishing than the U.S. ones, then again, you get what you pay for. Since U.S. visitors are not citizens, it was felt that in certain situations, they shouldn't have to pay them. But even for me, it's complicated.

Visitor rebate claims filed, to recover GST/HST on purchases of goods and short-term accommodations made after March 31, 2007, will be held by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) until the legislation has passed.

The bottom line is you may not get back as much as you used to do, but check out the details here to see what you can get back in the future.