Medical and Assistive Devices
Most medical and assistive devices are taxable. As a result, the GST and QST generally apply to medical and assistive devices intended for:
- consumers
- healthcare institutions (such as hospitals and clinics)
- healthcare professionals (such as physicians, pharmacists and dentists)
However, they may be zero-rated if they are designed for human use or for assisting a person with a disability or impairment.
Some medical and assistive devices are zero-rated throughout the distribution chain regardless of who acquires them and can be imported into Canada or brought into Québec tax-free by anyone.
Cosmetic services and related supplies may be zero-rated if they are provided for medical or reconstructive purposes.
Devices sold under prescription
While some medical and assistive devices are zero-rated when sold under prescription, they are usually subject to GST and QST throughout the distribution chain. They are zero-rated only at the end of the chain, when they are sold for use by the consumer named in the prescription.
Importing prescription devices
When devices sold under prescription are imported into Canada or brought into Québec, they are taxable. The person who imports them or brings them in must therefore pay GST and QST. However, if the devices are brought into Québec by a registrant in the course of their commercial activities and they give entitlement to an input tax refund (ITR), the person is not required to pay QST.
Tax paid in error
If you believe that you paid GST/HST or QST in error to a GST/HST- or QST-registrant supplier, you can ask the supplier to refund or credit the taxes to you instead of applying to us for a refund. If the supplier refunds or credits the tax, you cannot then apply to us for a refund of the same amounts.
However, if you are unable to obtain a refund or credit (for example, if the supplier refuses or ceases its activities), you can apply for a refund by filing a General GST/HST and QST Rebate Application (FP-2189-V) with Revenu Québec. For help completing it, see the Guide to the General GST/HST and QST Rebate Application (FP-2189.G-V).