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.
Where is your company based?
EU
based businesses
VAT-registered businesses in an EU member state are eligible to recover VAT on business costs from Canada under the EU VAT Refund Directive.
NON-EU
based businesses
VAT-registered businesses outside of the European Union are eligible to recover VAT on business costs from Canada under the 13th Directive.
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 & HOSPITALITY
Entertainment
0%
Hotels & Accommodation
0%
Restaurants
0%
EVENTS
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
0%
Training Courses & Seminars
0%
GENERAL EXPENSES
Goods
0%
Inter-company charges
0%
Office Expenses
0%
Marketing Costs
0%
Professional Fees & AP invoices
5%, 13%, 14% or 15%
Depending on the province.
TRAVEL RELATED
Car Rental
0%
Fuel
5%, 13%, 14% or 15%
Depending on the province
Public Transport
0%
Taxis
0%
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from Canada?
2 Years.
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.
Download a full international VAT guide and never miss a deadline
