GST holiday on a host of products starting today

A two-month break in the federal goods and services tax (GST) on certain products comes into effect today.

According to the federal government, this 5 per cent GST holiday is intended to provide some relief for taxpayers' wallets over the festive period and is scheduled to last until February 15, 2025.

Outside Quebec, provinces that have harmonized the provincial and federal sales taxes will see a complete exemption from the HST.

The products covered by this temporary GST holiday are prepared foods and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, restaurant meals, children's clothing and footwear, diapers, toys and printed books.

A detailed list of eligible products can be found on the Government of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/child-and-family-benefits/gst-hst-holiday-tax-break.html.

However, this temporary measure is causing headaches for retailers.

If a customer notices an error on their bill, they must request a refund from the supplier or retailer, says the federal government website.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French Dec. 14, 2024.