Canadian Tax Rebates for Foreign Conventions

Background

The Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) was created in 2007 to provide GST/HST refunds to foreign meeting and convention organizers who bring group business to Canada.

FCTIP was designed to replace the GST Visitor Rebate Program, which provided GST rebates of up to $80 million a year. The GST Visitor Rebate Program issued GST refunds paid by non-Canadians who spent $200 or more on eligible goods, for personal use and short-term accommodation.

Problems

The FCTIP program is not working as the government intended, with many organizers choosing not to apply for rebates. The primary reasons are the administrative complexity of the program, and the time-consuming nature of the paperwork required. Tax preparation in any country can be confusing enough, and understanding a foreign country’s terminology and processes can be a real barrier.

Solutions

Tour Tax Refunds can assist you with the rebate process by completing and filing all required claim forms, and working with FCTIP officials to ensure the timely processing of your claim.

Does your convention qualify under the FCTIP?

A qualifying convention is a convention held in Canada where:

it is reasonably expected that at least 75% of the attendees will be non-residents of Canada.
the sponsor of the convention is an organization whose head office is situated outside Canada, or if no head office, the member or the majority of members having management and control of the organization are non-residents.
the convention is not open to the general public.

A qualifying convention does not include a meeting or assembly whose main purpose is to:

provide any type of amusement, entertainment or recreation.
conduct contests or games of chance.
conduct the business of the convenor or attendees, either in the course of a trade show that is open to the general public, or other than in the course of a trade show.

Still unsure? Contact us!