Each July and August, several states hold sales tax holidays and tax free weekends. Collection of tax on specific items is suspended for 2-7 days, depending on the state. Clothing, footwear, back to school supplies, and sometimes computers will qualify for tax savings during this annual event.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no sales tax holidays or tax free weekends in Canada. Shoppers will pay the normal rate of tax on all goods and services. However, there is no provincial sales tax (PST) in the provinces of Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The national Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 5% does apply, however. Some provinces use a single Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rate.
For quick reference, here are the current sales tax rates for Canadian provinces:
ALBERTA: 0% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 5%. (There is a 4% provincial tax on hotel/motel rooms and other forms of lodging.)
BRITISH COLUMBIA: 7% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 12%.
MANITOBA: 7% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 12%.
NEW BRUNSWICK: 10% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 15% HST.
NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR: 10% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 15% HST.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: 0% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 5%.
NOVA SCOTIA: 10% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate of 15% HST.
NUNAVUT: 0% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 5%.
ONTARIO: 8% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate of 13% HST.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: 10% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate of 15% effective HST.
QUEBEC: 9.975% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 14.975%. (PST is also applied to the 5% GST.)
SASKATCHEWAN: 6% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 11%. Additional 10% liquor consumption tax. Food sold in restaurants is not taxed.
YUKON: 0% PST, 5% GST. Total combined rate = 5% GST.
Even though there are no Canadian sales tax holidays, many stores will be holding back to school sales. Also, don’t forget the Civic Holiday Long Weekend sales in August, 2025.
For Canadians who live close to the U.S. border, remember that Montana and New Hampshire do not have a sales tax. In addition, there is no tax on clothing, shoes, and other footwear in Minnesota.