What you need to know about the holiday tax break in Ontario
CTV
The GST/HST tax breaks go into effect on Saturday, meaning Ontarians can save up to 13 per cent on some items. Here's what you need to know.
The GST/HST tax breaks go into effect on Saturday, meaning Ontarians can save up to 13 per cent on some items.
The tax break is proving to be challenging for many retailers who must reprogram their cash machines before then, and also, for some consumers who are still unsure what the rules are when it comes to the two-month tax holiday.
The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) said that, for some stores across the country, re-programming their point-of-sale machines has been a hassle.
"It is a headache, and we are hearing from a lot of retailers across Canada," Matt Poirier, vice president of federal government relations with RCC, told CTV News Toronto.
While businesses overall view the tax holiday as positive, Poirier said many feel rushed getting ready to implement the tax break. Additionally, Poirier said there are concerns that several shoppers still aren't sure what's included in the tax break and what isn't.
"We expect consumers to be confused or frustrated and we are getting ready for that," Poirier said.
The GST is five per cent while the provincial sales tax in Ontario is eight per cent, so the combined harmonized sales tax is being waived from Dec. 14 to Feb. 15.
