CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) announced on Monday that the Visitor GST Rebate Program will be eliminated. GST (Goods, Services Tax – 6%) rebate applications will no longer be accepted effective April 1st, 2007. You must submit your applications by this date.

What does this mean to non-Canadian residents?

You will no longer be able to claim 6% off your accommodation or 3% off your vacation package (if accommodation is a main component) when you leave Canada.

If you book your holiday before April 1st, 2007, for travel before this date, you will be able to claim back the visitor rebate – saving you 3% or 6% off the price of your holiday.

More information on the current visitor tax rebate program: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4031/README.html

For application for the tax rebate: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst176/README.html