A VAT refund guide to Canada
How to get VAT Refunds from Canada for your business
Businesses registered in countries outside of Canada can claim VAT refunds on any costs incurred in Canada.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Canada VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.
Which countries have reciprocity with Canada?
All countries can claim but registration is needed
For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:
What expenses are claimable in Canada?
Entertainment
Entertainment
(not claimable) 0%
Hotels & Accommodation
(not claimable) 0%
Restaurants
(not claimable) 0%
Events
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
(n/c) 0%
Training Courses & Seminars
(not claimable) 0%
Travel Related
Car Rental
(not claimable) 0%
Fuel
5%, 13%, 14% or 15%
Public Transport
(not claimable) 0%
Taxis
(not claimable) 0%
General Expenses
Goods
(not claimable) 0%
Inter-company charges
(not claimable) 0%
Office Expenses
(not claimable) 0%
Marketing Costs
5%, 13%, 14% or 15%
Professional Fees & AP invoices
5%, 13%, 14% or 15%
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from Canada?
2 years retrospectively
What’s the foreign VAT deadline in Canada?
There is no deadline as a domestic/local registration is required, therefore clients are serviced depending on the due date of their individual VAT returns
How long does it take to receive a VAT refund from Canada?
The Canada Revenue Agency must issue a decision within 4 months of receiving the refund application.
Need help with your VAT refund from Canada?
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.
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