Canada tax refund

wishingwell

Not sure whether this has been posted before, but members might like to be aware that you can apply for a tax refund on goods and services you buy whilst on a trip to Canada.
There are minimum limits $50 for goods and $200 for accommodation. The hassle appears to be for goods, in that you have to get your invoice stamped by customs on leaving the country, but all you have to do for accommodation is send off the original invoice with their form (must be the easiest tax form ever!). We've just stayed in Toronto so I've posted the invoice to the Candadian tax authority and will hopefully see some money back in due course!
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/tax-e.html
will give more information.

kenspoker

We were in BC for 5 weeks in Jan/Feb so spent quite a bit on accommodation, we also bought loads of new snowbarding gear and outdoor clothing/equipment. Got the receipts stamped in Vancouver airport without any hassle (make sure you do this before check in as they may want to see the goods you have bought)

Posted the paper work when we got back home and received a cheque for nearly £300 about 4 weeks later. The cheque is made out in sterling so no prob's paying it into your account.

chalky_bertie

Make sure that each reciept for goods is for at least $50 before tax and you should be OK. However you can only claim the GST and not the local tax they also put on.

DO NOT use one of the envelopes you can find in hotels, shops etc which will say they will claim on your behalf as they charge you an extortionate rate - wait until you get to the airport and the tax authorities will give you an address where no charge is made.

Waiting for mine to reappear soon, hopefully.

Joannekerry

Silly question I know but doesnt this declare to the British Customs that you have bought gifts into the country that exceed the tax allowance?