Time is ticking down! Canada’s much-awaited GST/HST holiday is coming to a close, and with it, your opportunity to grab everyday essentials without paying sales tax. For nearly two months, Canadians have been able to enjoy tax-free savings on a wide variety of items, from groceries and kids’ clothes to video game consoles — but this fantastic deal officially expires on February 15.
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If you’ve been enjoying lower bills at checkout, it’s time to brace yourself for the return of the sales tax. After the holiday ends, you’ll see the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) back in effect across most of the country, while provinces using the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) — including Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island — will once again charge 13% or 15% on qualifying purchases.
That means you’ve only got a few days left to take full advantage of these tax-free savings before they disappear.
During this special GST/HST break, many everyday purchases have been tax-exempt, including essential groceries, children’s winter gear, and even Christmas trees. So, if you’ve been putting off buying winter clothes for the kids, need to grab a new video game, or just want to stock up on snacks — now’s the time to act!
Here’s a rundown of all the items that will remain GST/HST-free until February 15:
Baby Gear
- Bibs and baby blankets
- Diapers, liners, training pants, and rubber pants for babies and children
- Certified car seats and booster seats
Children’s Clothing & Footwear
- Clothing up to girls’ size 16 or boys’ size 20 (including kids’ sizes XS to L)
- Socks, hats, scarves, mittens, belts, suspenders, ties, and gloves designed for children or babies
- Shoes for children or babies (up to size 6.5, equivalent to women’s size 8)
Books & Newspapers
- Printed books (excluding notebooks, journals, colouring books, or catalogues)
- Physical audiobooks (like CDs or tapes)
- Print newspapers with news and editorials (digital publications and magazines not included)
Food & Drinks
- Snack foods like candy, chocolate, chips, granola bars, and ice cream
- Sweet baked goods such as cakes, muffins, pies, and cookies (savoury baked goods are typically tax-exempt)
- Prepared foods like salads, sandwiches, fruit trays, and meat platters
- Carbonated drinks, juices, and flavoured beverages
- Bottled or unbottled water
- Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cider, and coolers (spirits are not included)
- Food served at restaurants or cafes (whether dining in or takeout)
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Games & Toys
- Toys for children under 14, including dolls, figurines, board games, playsets, plush toys, building blocks, and plasticine
- Jigsaw puzzles (for all ages)
- Video game consoles, controllers, and physical video games (discs or cartridges)
- Christmas trees (both real and artificial)
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