What Items Are Tax Free in Ontario? Complete Guide to HST Exemptions
Discover which goods are tax free in Ontario under the HST, including groceries, medical devices, children’s items, and more.
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In Ontario, several items are tax-exempt under the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). These include most basic groceries, prescription drugs covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, medical devices (e.g., hearing aids, walkers), books, including audiobooks, children’s clothing and footwear, children’s car seats and car booster seats, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. It's vital for consumers to know which goods are exempt to make informed purchasing decisions and potentially save money.
FAQs & Answers
- What basic groceries are tax exempt in Ontario? Most basic groceries such as fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy products, and meat are exempt from the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in Ontario.
- Are prescription drugs tax free in Ontario? Yes, prescription drugs covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program are exempt from HST.
- Which children’s items are tax exempt in Ontario? Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats, booster seats, and diapers are among the items exempt from HST in Ontario.
- Are books and audiobooks tax exempt in Ontario? Yes, books including audiobooks are tax-exempt under the Harmonized Sales Tax in Ontario.