Organizing an event in Canada—whether in Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver—requires mastering the sales tax system (GST, HST, PST). Unlike other countries, the rate depends not only on the product but primarily on the location of the event.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes. The Canadian tax system is complex (combining federal and provincial taxes). When in doubt, consult a tax professional or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
1. Am I subject to taxes (GST/HST)?
In Canada, the obligation to collect taxes depends on your status and your income:
- Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Mandatory registration as soon as your worldwide taxable supplies exceed $30,000 over four consecutive quarters.
- Public Service Bodies (Non-profits, Charities): The “small supplier” threshold is generally $50,000 in taxable supplies over four consecutive quarters. Some organizations may be subject to specific rules depending on their status.
- Below these thresholds: You are not required to charge taxes, but you also cannot recover taxes paid on your own expenses (Input Tax Credits – ITCs).
2. Applicable rates by province
In Canada, the location where the event takes place determines the rate. There are several types of tax regimes:
| Province / Territory | Tax Type | Total Rate (2024-2026) |
| Quebec | GST (5%) + QST (9.975%) | 14.975% |
| Ontario | HST | 13% |
| NB, NS, PEI, NL | HST | 15% |
| Alberta, Territories (NWT, Yukon, Nunavut) | GST only | 5% |
| BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan | GST (5%) + PST (applies mainly to goods and certain services) | Effective rate varies (11% to 12%) |
3. Special cases: Cultural and sporting ticketing
a) Admission fees (General rule)
Most tickets (concerts, festivals, conferences, professional matches) are taxable at the full rate of the province concerned.
b) Exemptions for Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs)
Certain admission fees collected by charities or public service bodies may be exempt, including:
- Amateur sporting events without paid professional participants.
- Performances produced by amateur artists.
- Nominal admission fees (e.g., less than $1).
Note: These exemptions depend strictly on the organizer’s status and the conditions of the event.
5. Ticket + consumption: The importance of breakdown
If you sell a “Ticket + Meal + T-shirt” package, you must be vigilant. The Canadian tax system often requires breaking down (ventilating) the price if the components have different tax statuses.
Tip: Use a ticketing solution like WeezTicket, which allows you to configure multiple tax rates or manage the specificities of Quebec’s QST to ensure seamless accounting.
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