• A clear understanding of the tax rules applicable in your foreign markets.
• A compliance strategy tailored to your operations and business sectors.
• Reduce the risk of penalties and better protect your corporate reputation.
• Opportunities to optimize your credits and tax refunds.

Local and international expertise: we understand Canadian tax realities and work with a network of foreign partners to cover all your jurisdictions.

Personalized support: our recommendations take into account your business objectives and your specific markets.

A proactive approach: we anticipate regulatory changes and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Do Americans have to pay sales tax in Canada?

U.S. citizens visiting Canada must pay GST/HST on their purchases of goods and services, just like any other consumer. The rate varies by province: 5% GST in some areas, or up to 15% HST in others like Nova Scotia.

Unlike Canadian residents, U.S. consumers do not benefit from any personal exemption when making purchases in Canada. Each commercial transaction remains subject to sales taxes applicable according to the place of supply.

How much is sales tax in Canada (federal and provincial)?

The Canadian tax system has a two-tier structure that varies considerably from province to province. The federal GST is uniformly 5% across the country, but provincial taxes vary significantly depending on where you do business.

In harmonized provinces like Ontario, the total HST is 13%, combining the federal and provincial components into a single tax. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador apply an HST rate of 15%.

In Quebec, the calculation differs as the 9.975% QST is added to the 5% GST, bringing the total tax burden to almost 15%. British Columbia and Saskatchewan combine the federal GST with their respective provincial taxes of 7% and 6%.

Alberta remains the exception, with only 5% GST, offering the most advantageous tax environment for Canadian consumers.

What are the customs fees for a parcel from Canada?

Receiving a parcel shipped from Canada to another country generally involves duties and taxes upon arrival, depending on the rules of the destination country. Each country establishes its own exemption thresholds and applicable rates for personal or commercial imports.

Most customs administrations charge fees once the declared value exceeds their minimum threshold, often between $20 and $50 depending on the jurisdiction. These amounts generally include customs duties, local value-added taxes and sometimes administrative processing fees.

For commercial shipments, companies must anticipate more complex reporting requirements and variable rates depending on the tariff classification of the goods. Free trade agreements may reduce or eliminate certain duties, subject to compliance with the appropriate rules of origin.

What is the tax-free rate in Canada?

Unlike many European countries, Canada currently offers no official GST rebate program for foreign tourists or visitors.

Commercial exports benefit from a different treatment: goods destined foroutside Canada are generally zero-rated (0% rate) at the time of sale, enabling exporting companies to recover their input tax credits. This approach promotes the competitiveness of Canadian products on international markets.

Only certain specialized transactions, such as services rendered to non-resident customers or goods used temporarily in Canada and then re-exported, may be subject to special arrangements with the tax authorities.

How much is the GST (percentage) in Quebec/Canada?

The federal GST has remained at 5% across Canada since 2008, making it the only uniform consumption tax from coast to coast. This consistency represents a major advantage for companies operating in several provinces, simplifying their tax calculations.

Unlike provincial taxes, which fluctuate according to jurisdiction, this 5% rate applies identically in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal. Registered suppliers must collect this tax on their taxable sales, regardless of geographic location.

This uniformity greatly facilitates e-commerce and inter-provincial transactions. Businesses can accurately predict their federal tax obligations, regardless of the local variations that add up in each province.

When do I have to pay customs fees in Canada (and how to calculate them)?

Customs fees apply as soon as the value of your imported goods exceeds certain thresholds set by the CBSA. For personal purchases made abroad, you benefit from exemptions depending on the length of your absence from the country.

A 24-hour trip allows you to bring in up to $200 worth of goods duty and tax free. After an absence of 48 hours, this limit rises to $800, while a stay of a week or more grants you an even more generous personal exemption.

Commercial importers are required to pay duty from the first dollar, together with the applicable GST or HST. The total amount includes the value of the goods, transportation and insurance costs, creating a comprehensive basis for calculation by customs authorities.