HST Holiday Tax Break: What Businesses Need to Know

The Government of Canada has announced a new measure to provide HST relief on certain items from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025.

Small businesses that need details on eligible items can review the published guidelines here.

Key Items exempted from HST:
• Prepared foods and snacks: Vegetable trays, pre-made meals, salads, sandwiches, chips, candy, granola bars, etc.
• Dining: Restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout, or delivery).
• Beverages: Beer, wine, cider, and sake and pre-mixed “ready-to-drink” alcoholic beverages 7% or less ABV (alcohol by volume).
• Children’s products: Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats, diapers, and other family items.
• Toys and entertainment: Children’s toys (board games, dolls, video game consoles, etc.) and books, print newspapers, and puzzles for all ages.
• Seasonal items: Christmas trees and other holiday items.

Businesses that cannot find the info they require on the webpages or have additional questions should call the CRA’s 1-800 number for HST rulings as noted below:
• for GST/HST technical enquiries, call GST/HST Rulings at 1-800-959-8287 (English)
• for GST/HST technical enquiries, call GST/HST Rulings at 1-800-959-8296 (French)
• for GST/HST general enquiries, call Business Enquiries at 1-800-959-5525