Canada’s GST holiday is already almost over, with the tax break set to end in less than two weeks.
This limited-time deal from the federal government lets Canadians skip paying the goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) on a deceptively wide range of items.
While many people seem to think it’s just about groceries and kids’ stuff, there’s actually way more to this deal than meets the eye. From sneaky savings on luxury expenses to unexpected tax-free treasures for your hobbies, there are plenty of ways Quebecers can stretch their dollars during the tax break.
Even though Quebec doesn’t use HST, meaning shoppers here can only save the GST portion of the sales tax, that 5% can still add up, especially on big-ticket items — making this the perfect time to stock up on items you’ve been eyeing but hesitant to splurge on.
With just a handful of days left until the tax break ends on February 15, here are seven GST-free purchases you might not know qualify — and they’re definitely worth grabbing before the tax holiday ends.
Restaurant meals
Dining out or grabbing takeout might feel like a splurge, but for the next few weeks, it’s a splurge you can feel a bit better about. Whether it’s dine-in, takeout or delivery — at any restaurant from fast food to fancy date-night spot — you won’t pay the GST on your order.
This even extends to your delivery order through apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Skip, which we all know can add up quick. Just keep in mind that the service fee from the app itself will still have tax on it.
Alcohol
While hard liquor like vodka and whisky are still taxed, wine, beer, cider and coolers are included in the GST holiday.
Given that alcohol keeps well, stocking up on your favourites now means you can save a chunk of change. It’s also a great time to splurge on that special bottle you’ve been wanting to try, or just to have handy for future celebrations.
Shoes
Here’s a fun shopping hack: While the official list of tax-exempt items only includes children’s footwear, even if you don’t have any kids to shop for, many kids’ sizes actually overlap with adult ones.
If you wear a women’s size 8 (which is equivalent to a kids’ size 6.5) or smaller, you can also cash in on this deal — assuming your preferred shoe comes in kids’ sizes, of course. While it might be hard to find a fancy pair of heels or another more mature shoe style, if you’re in the market for sneakers, winter boots or slides, this could be the hack you didn’t know you needed.
Plus, kids’ shoes are already typically cheaper than their adult counterparts. Double savings? Yes, please!
Gaming consoles
If you’ve been eyeing a new console, now’s the time to make the leap. Not only are the consoles themselves GST-free, but controllers and physical games (like cartridges and discs) are too.
With some consoles costing over $1,000 these days, that could mean savings of $50 or more. This is your chance to upgrade your gaming setup at a discount — without having to wait 10 more months till Black Friday rolls back around.
Books
Pretty much all physical books — including physical copies of audiobooks like CDs and tapes — are eligible for the tax break, so you can skip the GST on your whole 2025 reading list. From cookbooks to the latest bestselling fiction, now’s the time to stock up and save on self-care.
Jigsaw puzzles
Speaking of self-care, what’s more relaxing than a jigsaw puzzle? They’re a relaxing hobby for all ages, and right now, you won’t pay GST on them (even ones marketed toward adults). Whether you’ve been wanting to take up this new hobby or add to your growing puzzle collection, this is the perfect excuse.
Christmas trees
Okay, this might be a controversial take, but now might just be the best time to buy a Christmas tree (an artificial one, that is). While it might sound odd to already be planning for next Christmas in February, with so many post-Christmas deals on, now could be your chance to save two times over and be ready extra early for next year’s festivities.
Whatever you plan to splurge on, keep in mind that the GST holiday wraps up on February 15 — so don’t wait too long to cash in on these unexpected savings!
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