GST Holiday Tax-Free Shopping Begins In 3 Days! Find Out What’s Covered

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The holiday season just got a whole lot merrier! From December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, Canadians get to enjoy some major savings with the GST/HST Holiday Tax Break. This sweet deal makes certain purchases totally tax-free, giving shoppers a chance to stretch their budgets even further. Curious about what’s covered and how to make the most of it? Here’s the lowdown!

What is the GST/HST Holiday Tax Break?

Think of it as the government’s holiday gift to Canadians! The GST/HST Holiday Tax Break is all about saving money during the busiest shopping time of the year. For two whole months, selected items won’t be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), depending on your province. That means more cash in your pocket for gifts, celebrations, or a little self-care splurge!

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The holiday season just got a whole lot merrier! From December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, Canadians get to enjoy some major savings with the GST/HST Holiday Tax Break. This sweet deal makes certain purchases totally tax-free, giving shoppers a chance to stretch their budgets even further. Curious about what’s covered and how to make the most of it? Here’s the lowdown!

What is the GST/HST Holiday Tax Break?

Think of it as the government’s holiday gift to Canadians! The GST/HST Holiday Tax Break is all about saving money during the busiest shopping time of the year. For two whole months, selected items won’t be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), depending on your province. That means more cash in your pocket for gifts, celebrations, or a little self-care splurge!

What Can You Buy Tax-Free?

This is the fun part! Here’s a list of what’s included in this awesome tax holiday:

  1. Prepared Foods and Snacks
    • Forget cooking! Pre-made meals, veggie trays, salads, sandwiches, chips, candy, and even granola bars are tax-free. Perfect for party prep or quick bites during the holiday hustle.
  2. Restaurant Meals
    • Craving takeout? Planning a dinner out? Now’s the time to do it tax-free! Whether it’s dine-in, delivery, or takeout, meals are included.
  3. Alcoholic Beverages Under 7% ABV
    • Cheers to savings! Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed drinks with less than 7% alcohol by volume qualify. Stock up for those holiday toasts.
  4. Children’s Items
    • Parents, take note! Clothing, footwear, car seats, and diapers for the little ones are all tax-free. Essential items for less? Yes, please!
  5. Children’s Toys
    • From board games and puzzles to dolls and video game consoles, kids’ toys are included. Finding the perfect gift just got easier—and cheaper!
  6. Books, Newspapers, and Puzzles
    • Whether it’s a new novel, a daily newspaper, or a puzzle to keep busy on a snowy afternoon, these are all covered. Great gifts or great fun—your choice.
  7. Christmas Trees
    • Real or artificial, Christmas trees are part of the deal. Time to deck the halls without worrying about the tax!

What’s Not Included?

While the list of tax-free goodies is pretty great, some things don’t make the cut. These include:

● Electronics like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

● Big-ticket items like vehicles and appliances.

● Gift cards and prepaid credit cards.

● Services like spa treatments or subscriptions.

It’s always a good idea to double-check with retailers to see what qualifies before heading to the checkout.

Tips for Making the Most of the Tax Holiday

● Plan Ahead

  • A little planning goes a long way. Make a list of tax-free items you need to maximize savings.

● Shop Early

  • Stock up before shelves are cleared. The sooner, the better!

● Double Down on Sales

  • Look out for discounts and promotions to stack savings on top of the tax break. Cha-ching!

● Shop Local

  • Many small businesses are participating, so this is a great time to support local while saving big.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and was written by Winnipeg for Free. While Winnipeg for Free takes every step to provide accurate information, The Government of Canada does not endorse this content, and Winnipeg for Free is not affiliated with them in any way. Please confirm program details with them.

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