SASKATCHEWAN – As holiday shoppers are picking up last minute items before celebrating commences, many are happy to hear their receipts will be slightly less than usual.
The federal government has announced a two-month tax holiday from GST, starting Dec. 14 and will end Feb. 15, 2025. This holiday will only be applied to certain items and provincial sales tax will be applied to the applicable provinces.
Various items for people of all ages will be included in the holiday. According to Bricin Financial Services in Unity, children’s clothing sizes extra small to large, including girls’ size 16 and boys’ size 20, footwear for children or babies and an insole of 24.25 cm or less, diapers and car seats are included in the temporary tax break. However, clothing and footwear that are specifically for costumes, sports or recreational activities are excluded from the exemption.
For children under the age of 14, some toys will also be included in the holiday. Children’s toys designed to encourage learning or play such as board games, card games, dolls, stuffed toys, jigsaw puzzles, and video game consoles will see the GST removed.
For those who enjoy reading the local newspaper or curling up with a good book will also be pleased to know their reading materials will also see the tax exemption. Audio books and printed versions of scripture of any religion will also be included. However, items such as magazines, brochures, sales catalogs, notebooks or journals, activity books, day planners and electronic or digital publications will still have GST added.
The Christmas feasts we are about to enjoy will also taste better, knowing we didn’t have to fork over some extra cash. Beverages including wines, beer ciders and spirit coolers up to a seven per cent alcohol by volume (ABV), carbonated beverages, non-carbonated fruit juice or water additives that produce a similar product will have the tax removed for the two months.
Snack food items such as candies, fruits, seeds, nuts or popcorn will also be included in the tax holiday. Chips, chip-like snacks, granola products and snack mixtures, like trail mixes, are also covered in the snack food category.
Other foods are also included in the two-month exemption. Baked sweet goods, puddings and prepared foods, such as meat and cheese platters or pre-made salads, sandwiches and heated meals are some of the items included. Diners who enjoy a night on the town will also see a lessened price as the exemption will apply to your restaurant bills. Food and beverages from coffee shops, pubs, mobile canteens, lunch counters, take-out outlets and concession stands are also included.
If you are unsure if an item is exempt or have any further questions about the federal tax holiday, Bricin Financial Services Ltd. suggests reaching out to your local accountant for more information.
