eBay Purchases Subject to Taxes
Canadian eBay buyers should note that their Canadian purchases and purchases of digital downloads will be subject to taxes as of July 1st, 2022.
Purchases from Canadian retailers on eBay were already subject to the HST or GST and provincial sales taxes but taxes will be now extended to any purchase shipped from a Canadian address and digital product sales.
Unfortunately, First Nations buyers and businesses that have resale and/or provincial exemptions will be required to submit requests to the Canadian Revenue Service and/or provincial tax office for rebates and/or refunds.
Imports will be subject to the usual taxes, custom fees and exemptions.
Ontario Theatres Closed
Cineplex has issued a notice that the their theatres will be closed as of January 5th, 2201 in response to the new provincial guidelines on COVID. And it appears that the other chains in the province will do so shortly.
Refunds will be issued so keep an eye on your email if you have purchased tickets.
Back to Square One
Unfortunately it appears that we’re back to the occupancy limits in most provinces, both in stores and in theatres, thanks to the Omicron variant.
Most music stores will remain open with the usual precautions, accepting proof of vaccination for access. But some movie theatres have decided to close or alter their schedules, and are offering refunds for pre-purchased tickets so keep an eye out for an email if you’ve purchased tickets recently.
Some live performances are being cancelled or rescheduled but many are simply waiting to see if the new variant will be controlled so keep an eye on your favourite band’s official site or Facebook group for details.
Vaccine Passport Clarification
Just thought I’d inform readers that vaccine passports or provincial receipts for vaccines are not required to enter record, music, or clothing stores in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. And that you may now travel to those stores from other provinces, provided you wear masks and perform social distancing.
Some retailers in the other provinces may choose to ask for these, along with a valid photo ID. But generally, these will only be required to attend restaurants, pubs/bars, clubs, concert venues, record conventions, casinos/bingo halls, sporting events, and cinemas throughout Canada.
You can show your second provincial vaccine receipt on your cell phone or print them out to gain access. And some of these establishments will still be subject to occupancy limits.
Note to Ontario residents: Access requiring proof of vaccines will begin on September 22nd, 2021. But you may travel to Quebec or Manitoba and use your second provincially issued vaccine receipt and valid photo ID to access the aforementioned establishments there.
By the way, overstocked amounts of disposable 3-ply masks and hand sanitizer gels are being discounted at some Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Giant Tiger stores. And online at Amazon.ca and shopperplus.ca. You might want to pick up some extra from your local store and before your trip.
BC Adds New Taxes
Streaming services will be subject to provincial sales taxes in the province of British Columbia, effective April 1st, 2021.
This tax was to be implemented on Canada Day but was brought forward.
Click Here for the Official Press Release on this tax.
Measures Extended in Ontario
The provincial government of Ontario has just announced extra measures effective Thursday at 12:01am Eastern.
“All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.”
Music retailers will therefore operate on reduced hours in the province on Ontario for up to 28 days, many shifting to curbside pickup or deliveries.
Please consult your favourite retailers’ web sites for details.