Refund of taxes (GST PST) on items purchased?

Question

Hello,

Is it true that we get refunds on Taxes paid on the shopping items purchased in Canada in the last 3 months of leaving Canada. Who are eligible for this?

I had one year work permit in Canada and I resided in Canada for six months. I have bank account, Social Insurance number and rented a apartment. Now my work is over and I am going back to India. Am I eligible for getting refunds of Taxes on shopping items purchased in last 3 months?

Answer 1

In my view, you may not eligible for the refund because you may be considerd as a cdn resident based on your cdn home, job and social ties.  The refund is aimed at cdn visitors like tourists who have not acquried cdn residency or remain non-residents at time of cdn purchases, and you are not.

Besides the refund applies to only the eligible goods purchased to leave Canada within 60 days (not 3 months as you said) of the purchase date.  Eligible goods are mostly goods you bought primarily for use outside of Canada, and do not include goods consumed in Canada, meals (restaurant, groceries), alcohol, tobacco products, etc.

Answer 2

Canada no longer has a GST refund programme for non-residents.