In Canada, car insurance premiums are subject to the Harmonized sales tax (HST) in provinces that have implemented the tax. HST is a combination of the federal goods and services tax (GST) and a provincial sales tax, and is applied to most goods and services sold in Canada.
In provinces that have HST, the tax is typically applied to the premium for your car insurance policy, including both the GST and the provincial portion of the tax. The amount of HST that you pay on your car insurance premiums can vary depending on the province in which you live.
The following provinces have HST: Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. In these provinces, the HST rate is currently 13%.
In the other provinces, only the GST is applied to insurance premiums. These provinces include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. The GST rate is currently 5%.
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company for more information on the taxes that apply to your car insurance policy, and to consider the tax implications when comparing insurance quotes.
RST (Ontario Retail Sales Tax)
The Retail Sales Tax (RST) was a tax that was previously applied to retail sales in the province of Ontario, Canada. However, the RST was replaced by the Harmonized sales tax (HST) in 2010.
The HST is a combination of the federal goods and services tax (GST) and a provincial sales tax, and is applied to most goods and services sold in the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The current HST rate in these provinces is 13%.
If you have purchased a vehicle in Ontario or any of the other HST provinces, you may be subject to HST on the purchase price, as well as on any related financing or insurance costs. It’s important to consult with a tax professional or your insurance company for more information on the taxes that apply to your specific situation.
HST On Accident Claims
In Canada, the harmonized sales tax (HST) may apply to accident claims in provinces that have implemented the tax. The HST is a combination of the federal goods and services tax (GST) and a provincial sales tax, and is applied to most goods and services sold in Canada.
In provinces with HST, the tax may apply to certain expenses related to an accident claim, such as the cost of repairs or the replacement of damaged parts. The amount of HST that you pay on these expenses can vary depending on the province in which you live.
Are car insurance claims taxable in Canada?
In general, car insurance claims in Canada are not considered taxable income. This means that you do not have to pay income tax on the amount you receive from a car insurance claim.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the tax implications of insurance claims can be complex and may depend on several factors, such as the type of claim and the specific circumstances of the accident.
For example, if you receive a settlement from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or the replacement of a damaged car, the settlement is not considered taxable income. However, if the settlement includes compensation for lost income or other taxable benefits, such as personal injury, then a portion of the settlement may be considered taxable.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or your insurance company for more information on the tax implications of your specific insurance claim.
In Canada, eligible businesses can claim input tax credits (ITCs) on the goods and services tax (GST)/harmonized sales tax (HST) paid on insurance premiums for their commercial vehicles.
To claim an ITC, a business must be registered for the GST/HST and must have paid the tax to a registered supplier. The business must also have a valid business purpose for the insurance coverage and must have paid the premium for the commercial vehicle.
It’s important to note that the rules for claiming ITCs can be complex and may depend on the specific circumstances of your business. For more information on ITCs and their application to insurance premiums, it’s best to consult with a tax professional or your insurance company.