VAT Rates in Canada Explained (2024)

VAT (value added tax) is a type of consumption tax. The Canadian government applies it on the sale of goods and services.

VAT isn’t paid by businesses — instead, it’s charged to consumers in the price of goods, and collected by businesses, making it an indirect tax. Businesses are then responsible for reporting it to the government.

Total price including VAT

To work out the total price at the standard rate of VAT (5%), multiply the original price by 1.05.

Total price excluding VAT

You can calculate the total price excluding the standard VAT rate (5%) by dividing the original price by 1.05.

If you’re running a business, there are a few things you should know about VAT.

How does VAT work?

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VAT is collected at each point in the production of goods — every time value is added and a sale is made. This is what gives VAT its name — value-added tax. It’s designed to be paid by the consumer at the end. Here’s an example:

• A supplier sells a badminton racket to a shop for C$120. They owe C$20 VAT to the government.
• The shop pays C$120 but can claim the C$20 back from the government, so the shop doesn’t pay the VAT.
• The shop sells the racket to the customer for C$220. The VAT is C$44 which the customer, as the end-user, pays in full to the shop.
• Together with the reclaimable C$20 VAT, the shop will end up paying C$24 to the government.

So, you’ve done some shopping abroad, and paid a healthy amount of money for VAT. The good thing is you can often get the amount refunded once you’ve returned home.

For example, European Union residents can get a VAT refund on goods bought in Singapore from a retailer that offers tax-free shopping.

The conditions for a VAT refund are different in every country and should be checked according to your destination — there’s usually a minimum purchase amount, and some exceptions to be considered.

If you’re planning on visiting any of these countries, have a look at their rules for tax-free shopping. And if you’d like to save even more money, don’t miss out on the Wise travel money card, and spend in shops or online at the real exchange rate.

When you’ve visited Canada, you’ll be able to get a VAT refund on items bought if:

• You live outside Canada and are going back home.

There are multiple ways of receiving the refund — either get paid immediately at a refund booth at the airport or send the approved form to a refund company.

Application form

Get a Tax Refund Application Form from the retailer. You might also be asked to show your passport to check that you’re eligible.

Customs check

At customs, present your passport, VAT form(s), VAT invoice(s) and the tax-free goods.

Refund approved

If all the criteria is met, customs will approve your form. You’ll get a signed form that allows you to receive the refund.

FAQ about VAT rate.