Financial Institutions Exempt From GST/HST
by Helen
(Calgary, AB, Canada)
Sometimes learning bookkeeping means phoning CRA
I understand Financial Institutions (e.g. let's say one of the big five banks) are exempt from GST/HST for most of their services they offer (e.g. deposits by customers). By being exempt I believe this also means these financial institutions cannot claim ITC.
But I am really confused ... if a Canadian bank is exempt for financial services then I would imagine they still need to pay taxes on things like advertising they make to promote their services since these taxes are charged by another business.
So, because the bank had to pay taxes for that expense can they still claim the GST/HST paid out for that expense as an ITC or are they still not allowed claim ITC since they are exempt?
From what I read on the CRA site, it mentions Financial Institutions are exempt form several financial services but when you clarify it all seems to be specific to services that relate its customers/clients.
If the bank were to do things outside its financial core, such as advertising, it seems to me that the taxes they are charged don't relate to this exemption and can be claimed as an ITC during the next reporting period.
Do I have this wrong? I notice this one particular bank has a GST/HST number, so at least I know they collect and remit GST/HST back to CRA. This would mean they are likely doing this since certain parts of their business don't
And finally, what about commission based payouts made by this bank to commission-based sales agents? Would the bank be exempt from having to pay taxes on top of the commissions to these agents?
Would these agents be exempt too or would they have to pay GST/HST out of their commissions since the bank uses the excuse of being exempt of GST/HST?
Hi Helen,
As I deal mainly with small businesses that are just starting, I'm not up on the rules for large corporations.
I'm guessing that you are an independent mortgage broker for one of the big five banks and you pay your own advertising expenses ... and then possibly invoice the bank to be reimbursed for the expense.
I'm just guessing here, but mortgage broker services may fall under the exempt category which would be why the bank says the service is exempt. If your business services were exempt, it would mean the business was not eligible to claim input tax credits.
Not knowing your situation ... or the banking industry ... here's what I would do.
I would phone the CRA and ask for a GST/HST ruling. You explain your situation and they provide guidance. It is a free service.
You can find out how to use this service by visiting the CRA website. Go to Businesses>GST/HST> GST/HST rulings and interpretations.
Sorry I couldn't help you.
Comments for Financial Institutions Exempt From GST/HST
|
||
|
||
|
Click here to add your own comments Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to GST HST. |