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Ontario Staycation Tax Credit

Find out how to get back up to 20% of your eligible 2022 Ontario accommodation expenses.

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The temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022 aims to encourage Ontario families to explore the province, while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Ontario residents can claim 20% of their eligible 2022 accommodation expenses, for example, for a stay at a hotel, cottage or campground, when filing their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return for 2022. You can claim eligible expenses of up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family.

The credit will provide an estimated $270 million in support to about 1.85 million Ontario families.

Who is eligible

You are eligible to claim the credit if you are an Ontario resident on December 31, 2022.

Only one individual per family can claim the credit for the year. Your claim can include the eligible expenses of your spouse or common-law partner and your eligible children. An eligible child is not entitled to claim the credit.

If you do not have a spouse or common-law partner, or eligible child, you can claim your own eligible expenses for the credit.

Eligible expenses

You can claim the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for accommodation expenses for a leisure stay of less than a month in Ontario, at a short-term accommodation or camping accommodation, such as a:

• bed-and-breakfast establishment
• vacation rental property

The tax credit only applies to leisure stays between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, regardless of the timing of payment for the stays.

The accommodation expenses must have been paid by you, your spouse or common-law partner, or your eligible child, as set out on a detailed receipt provided by a supplier registered for the Goods and Services Tax ( GST )/Harmonized Sales Tax ( HST ).

As long as all other conditions are met, you can claim any of the following expenses:

• accommodation for a single trip or multiple trips, up to the maximum expense limit of $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a family
• accommodations booked either directly with the accommodation provider or through an online accommodation platform
• the portion of the expense that is necessary to have access to the accommodation
• the accommodation portion of a tour package expense

You must keep your detailed receipts for any eligible expenses you claim for the credit. Those receipts must include:

• the location of the accommodation
• the amount that can reasonably be considered to be for the accommodation portion of a stay
• the amount of any GST / HST  paid
• the date of the stay
• the name of the payor

Ineligible expenses

Short-term accommodation would generally not include a timeshare agreement, or a stay on a boat, train or other vehicle that can be self-propelled.

The tax credit cannot be claimed for:

• travel expenses that are not for short-term accommodation or camping accommodation, such as expenses for car rentals, fuel, flights, groceries, parking, or prices of admission into local attractions and places of interest
• accommodation expenses reimbursed to you, your spouse or common-law partner, or your eligible child, by any person, including by a friend or an employer
• expenses that are incurred for school or educational purposes, or for a work, employment or business purpose, or that can be claimed for a medical expense tax credit

How to claim the credit

You can claim the credit on your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return for 2022.

The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit. This means that if you are eligible, you can get this tax credit regardless of whether you owe income tax for 2022.

Contact the Canada Revenue Agency

If you have questions about the tax credit, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency

• phone, at  1-800-959-8281
• at a tax services office or tax centre

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Taxation for Canadians travelling, living or working outside Canada

Canadians who live or work abroad or who travel a lot may still have to pay Canadian and provincial or territorial income taxes.

If you are planning to be outside Canada for an extended period of time, you should inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) before you go to ask for a determination of your residency status. Your residency status depends on whether you are leaving Canada permanently or only temporarily and the residential ties you keep with Canada and establish in another country:

You are leaving Canada permanently

You are leaving Canada temporarily

Visit International and non-resident taxes for information about income tax requirements that may affect you.

• Studying abroad
• Retiring abroad
• Working abroad
• Dual citizenship (or dual nationality)
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Travelling with a Permanent Resident Card
• Folio S5-F1-C1, Determining an Individual’s Residence Status  (Canada Revenue Agency)
• Representatives for non-resident accounts (Canada Revenue Agency)

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Travellers Paying duty and taxes

The Canada Border Services Agency collects duty and taxes on imported goods, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

What are duty and taxes?

Duty is a tariff payable on a good imported to Canada. Rates of Duty are established by the Department of Finance Canada and can vary significantly from one trade agreement to another.

No duty is payable on goods imported for personal use, if it is marked as "made in Canada, the USA or Mexico", or if there is no marking or labelling indicating that it was made somewhere other than Canada, the USA or Mexico.

More information on duties payable on all goods imported into Canada is provided in the Canadian Customs Tariff .

Most imported goods are also subject to the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or, in certain provinces and territories, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Personal exemptions

You may qualify for a personal exemption when returning to Canada. This allows you to bring goods up to a certain value into the country without paying regular duty and taxes.

Are you eligible?

You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada;
• a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country; or
• a temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada.

Children are also entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods are for the child's use. Parents or guardians can make a declaration to the CBSA on behalf of the child.

What are your personal exemptions?

The length of your absence from Canada determines your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back, without paying any duty and taxes. (The exception is a special excise duty that may apply to certain tobacco products. Refer to Tobacco Products section .)

Absence of less than 24 hours

• Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers.

Absence of more than 24 hours

• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$200.
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$200, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
• Goods must be in your possession and reported at time of entry to Canada.
• A minimum absence of 24 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Saturday the 16th to claim the exemption.

Absence of more than 48 hours

• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 .
• You may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, within the prescribed limits. Refer to sections Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$800, duties and taxes are applicable only on amount of the imported goods that exceeds CAN$800 .
• A minimum absence of 48 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Sunday the 17th to claim the exemption.

Absence of more than 7 days

• You must have tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in your possession when you enter Canada, but other goods may follow you by other means (such as courier or by post). However, all of the goods you are bringing back must be reported to the CBSA when you arrive. See Unaccompanied Goods section.
• A minimum absence of seven days is required. When calculating the number of days you have been absent, exclude the day you left Canada but include the day you returned. For example, we consider you to have been absent seven days if you left Canada on Friday the 7th and return no earlier than Friday the 14th to claim the exemption.

What conditions apply?

• You cannot combine your personal exemptions with another person's or transfer them to someone else.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions. For example, if you are absent from Canada for 9 days total, you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) for a total exemption of CAN$1,600.
• In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. Such goods include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside Canada or prizes that you won.
• Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify for the exemption and are subject to applicable duties and taxes. In all cases, goods you include in your 24-hour exemption (CAN$200) or 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) must be with you upon your arrival in Canada.
• Except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, goods you claim in your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation.
• You must always report the value of the goods you are importing in Canadian funds. Foreign currency amounts including any foreign taxes must be converted to Canadian dollars at the applicable exchange rate recognized by the CBSA.

For more information on personal exemptions, consult I Declare .

Alcohol and tobacco limits

Alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. Certain alcoholic and wine products that do not exceed 0.5% by volume are not considered alcoholic beverages.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more , you are allowed to import one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

You must meet the minimum age of the province or territory where you enter Canada. Minimum ages are established by provincial or territorial authorities: 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec and 19 years for the remaining provinces and territories.

The CBSA classifies "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer and wine coolers are considered to be wine.

The quantities of alcoholic beverages you can import must be within the limit set by provincial and territorial liquor control authorities that apply where you will enter Canada. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Contact the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority for more information before you return to Canada.

Tobacco products

You can speed up your clearance by having your tobacco products available for inspection when you arrive.

Whether they are stamped or unstamped, if you bring in tobacco products that exceed your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the regular duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the excess amount.

Note: You must be 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into Canada under your personal exemption.

Stamped Tobacco Products – Personal exemption amounts

If you wish to import cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks duty free as part of your personal exemption, the packages must be stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". You will find tobacco products sold at duty-free stores marked this way.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you may import all of the following amounts of cigars and stamped tobacco into Canada free of duty and taxes.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Special duties rate

A special duty rate applies to cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks that are not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

For example, if you claim a carton of 200 cigarettes as part of your personal exemption and it is not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté", you will be assessed at a special duty rate.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Import limits

In addition to your personal exemption amounts, there are limits on the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported if it is not packaged and not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One  unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:

Using our Duty and Taxes Estimator

The CBSA's Duty and Taxes Estimator provides an estimate only and applies strictly to goods imported for personal use. The final amount of applicable duties and taxes may vary from the estimate and will be determined by a border services officer when you arrive at the border.

It is important to note that personal exemptions, tariff classification, applicable rates of duty and taxes and other circumstances that may affect the amount of duties and taxes owed on imported goods are subject to change from time to time, depending on the applicable legislation, regulations and policies.

Where specific products within a category of goods have different rates of duty, the highest rate has been used to produce the estimate.

Use the Duty and Taxes Estimator .

Canadian Visitor Tax Refund 

The canadian foreign convention and tour incentive program (fctip)  , if you've recently come from abroad to visit our beautiful country, you could get back some of the money you spent here thanks to canada's foreign convention and tour incentive program, international tourists or non-residents may be eligible for a tax rebate on the goods and services tax (gst) and/or the harmonized sales tax (hst) paid on select tour package components, foreign convention supplies and exhibitor purchases. .

Who Qualifies for the FCTIP Refund?

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police Non-resident individuals, organizations, businesses or tour operators not registered for the GST/HST, on short-term accommodations and/or camping accommodations included in an eligible tour package.
• Foreign convention sponsors plus convention organizers and exhibitors not registered for the GST/HST, for the GST/HST paid on select services and/or facilities used during the course of conventions held in Canada.

Please note: the FCTIP no longer offers a GST/HST rebate to non-residents for the Canadian accommodation portion of eligible tour packages purchased after March 22, 2017. However, the rebate may still apply to tour packages or accommodations supplied between March 22, 2017 and the end of 2018, if the amount owing for the provision is paid in full prior to January 1, 2018. 

A rebate for certain costs related to foreign conventions continues to be available the under the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program. 

For more information on the FCTIP: visit the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) website.

• You must be a non-resident of Canada when the rebate is filed
• You must spend a minimum of $200 Canadian before taxes on a tour package to be eligible for a tax refund (the cost cannot include property and services included in the tour package that are not subject to tax, such as overseas transportation services)
• You must not purchase the eligible tour package for any resale business purposes (except for tour operators in the business of selling tour packages)
• As a certified non-resident tour operator, you must have sold the eligible tour package to another non-resident individual
• You must provide documentation showing proof of eligibility for the rebate
• Of the GST/HST paid on eligible tour packages, 50% of the taxes can be claimed

For detailed information on tour package rebates: visit GST/HST rebate for tour packages. 

To download the application form for tour packages: go to GST115 GST/HST Rebate Application for Tour Packages.  

• As a foreign sponsor or non-registered organizer, you can make an FCTIP rebate claim for the GST/HST paid on convention facilities and related supplies
• As a foreign exhibitor, you can make an FCTIP rebate claim for the GST/HST paid on the exhibition rental space as well as related supplies that don't include food, drink or catering, when obtained from a GST/HST registrant who is not the convention sponsor
• Of the GST/HST paid on a convention facility, 100% of the taxes can be claimed
• Of the GST/HST paid on convention supplies that don't include food, drink and catering, 100% of the taxes can be claimed
• Of the GST/HST paid on convention supplies related to food, drink and catering, 50% of the taxes can be claimed
• You must provide copies of all supporting documents along with your rebate claim (e.g.: convention schedule, event program, receipts and invoices showing GST/HST payments, hotel bills, proof of exhibition space rental)

For detailed information on foreign convention and non-resident exhibitor rebates: visit GST/HST and QST rebate for sponsors of foreign conventions, organizers of foreign conventions, and non-resident exhibitors. 

To download the application form for foreign conventions and non-resident exhibitors: go to GST386 Rebate Application for Conventions.  

Contact Information  

Prince Edward Island Tax Centre, 275 Pope Road, Summerside PE C1N 6A2, CANADA.  

While travelling, be sure to keep all eligible receipts and upon your return home, send in your receipts and completed application, signed and dated. 

To check on the status of your FCTIP rebate: call 1-800-959-5525 from within Canada or from the US, and 613-940-8497 from outside Canada and the US. 

More GST/HST Rebates 

Commercial goods and artistic works exported by a non-resident 

Taxable sale of real property by a non-registrant

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How to claim Ontario's staycation tax credit on your tax return

People in Ontario who vacationed in the province last year can claim the trip on their upcoming tax returns, and here’s how to do it.

Introduced as a temporary, refundable personal income tax credit for 2022 , the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit can be used by families and individuals who went on a leisurely trip somewhere within the province.

Through this credit, Ontarians can claim 20 per cent of their eligible accommodation expenses between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022.

“If you travelled for work, that wouldn’t count,” H&R Block tax specialist, Yannick Lemay, previously told CTV News Toronto. “We are excluding costs for food, entertainment, gas, and all extra expenses, but anything that goes for accommodation for travel, you can claim.”

Those who are looking to apply for this credit should have the receipts from their accommodation stays, Lemay noted.

“It’s up to $1,000 [for an individual], and it’s a 20 per cent rate credit, so that means Ontarians can get up to $200 back.”

Families and couples can claim up to $2,000 and get a maximum credit of $400.

HOW CAN I CLAIM THE STAYCATION TAX CREDIT?

When it's time to file your Income Tax and Benefit Return for last year, keep your eyes peeled for form ON479 , which lists all of the refundable tax credits Ontarians can specifically claim.

"Many Ontario credits are calculated on this form, and then the total of credits calculated on this form goes onto the T1 returns on your federal tax return. It goes on line 47900," Lemay told CTV News Toronto Friday.

Ontario’s staycation tax credit can be found underneath the Ontario childcare access and relief from expenses (CARE) tax credit.

SO WHAT ELIGIBLE EXPENSES CAN I CLAIM?

Ontarians who stayed at a short-term accommodation for less than a month in province can claim the expenses through the credit – so long as it is a hotel, motel, resort, lodge, bed-and-breakfast, cottage, campground or vacation rental property.

The accommodation must have either been paid by you, or your spouse, partner, or eligible child.

All of the receipts from the eligible expenses must have the location, the date of stay, the name of who purchased the accommodations, and the cost. It should also have the amount of taxes you paid on the stay.

If all these conditions are met, Ontarians can claim the accommodation of one trip or multiple trips, and can be expensed up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a family.

WHAT CAN’T I CLAIM?

Vacations on boats, trains, or “other vehicles that can be self-propelled,” the province says , aren’t included with the tax credit. Timeshare agreements are also generally not included.

As for travel expenses, Ontarians cannot claim car rentals, fuel, flights, groceries, parking, or tickets purchased to visit location attractions. If the trip was also for school or work, it also cannot be claimed through the staycation tax credit.

Lastly, if the expenses were reimbursed – either by a friend or an employer – the stay cannot be claimed.

May 1 is the deadline for most Canadians to file their tax returns, with June 15 being the deadline for those who are self-employed. 

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Reduce the cost of your travel medical insurance by claiming a tax credit.

Canadian travellers may be eligible to get some money back for travel medical insurance premiums

Travel insurance can be expensive, particularly if you travel for extended periods of time, have pre-existing health conditions, or are a more mature traveller.

Fortunately, Canadian travellers may be eligible to recoup some of the cost of your travel medical insurance premium by claiming it for a CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit on your income tax return.

Medical Expense Tax Credits allow you to reduce your income tax liability by claiming travel medical insurance premiums and other eligible medical expenses on your tax return and meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Make sure you speak to your accountant to get professional advice on claiming your travel medical insurance premium as a Medical Expense Tax Credit:

In the meantime, here are a few things to keep in mind about Medical Expense Tax Credits:

• Only travel medical insurance is eligible to be claimed. Other types of travel insurance like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage insurance are not eligible for Medical Expense Tax Credits. If you have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy that covers medical, cancellation/interruption and baggage, only the amount related to the medical portion of your premium is eligible for the credit. If you purchased your policy from Snowbird Advisor Insurance , you can find your total premium in the confirmation package you received at the time you purchased your policy .
• You’ll need a copy of your travel medical insurance receipt/confirmation to prove to CRA how much your premium cost and that your insurance policy was eligible for a tax credit.
• You can claim other eligible medical expenses you incur inside and outside Canada, as long as you were not reimbursed for those expenses (i.e. under an insurance plan).
• Only medical expenses that exceed a minimum dollar value threshold prescribed by the government are eligible for the tax credit.
• Any tax credit you receive won’t be for the full amount of your eligible expenses, as the government only allows you recoup a percentage of your expenses.

The bottom line is that while you won’t be able to recoup the full amount of your travel medical insurance premiums by claiming them on your tax return, it can still be a fast and easy way to save some money.

You can learn more about Medical Expense Tax Credits here.

Disclaimer:  The material provided in the Snowbird Advisor Insurance Learning Centre is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute insurance, legal, financial or other advice, and should not be relied on as such. If you require such advice, you should speak with a qualified professional to assist you.

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News Release

Rediscover Ontario and Get Back up to 20 per cent on Eligible Accommodation Expenses

Start planning your March Break and 2022 Ontario staycations now!

March 10, 2022

Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

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NIAGARA — The Ontario government is encouraging the people of Ontario to rediscover the province and support Ontario’s important tourism industry this March Break and all year round with the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. With this Personal Income Tax credit, residents will get back up to 20 per cent on their eligible accommodation expenses for leisure stays in the province this year.

“Ontario offers the world in one province — from vibrant cities to historic small towns, food trails to festivals, and mountains to beaches,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will help make travel more affordable and encourage Ontarians to explore their own province, reinvigorating local tourism economies by delivering a much-needed boost to local businesses while keeping Ontario competitive in the global market.”

The temporary Personal Income Tax credit will allow Ontario residents to claim eligible accommodation expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families. The credit will provide up to a maximum of $200 for an individual and $400 for a family.

Ontarians could get back up to 20 per cent on eligible accommodation expenses for stays between January 1 and December 31, 2022, at hotels, motels, lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, cottages, campgrounds and other short-term accommodations in Ontario that are subject to GST/HST.

“Every corner of Ontario is home to family attractions, secluded getaways and other amazing destinations. Through our Staycation Tax Credit, our government is encouraging the people of Ontario to get out, travel and explore,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This tax credit is just one way our government is putting money back into the pockets of families, boosting main streets in communities across our province, and supporting a strong economic recovery.”

Ontario residents will be able to apply for the credit when they file their 2022 personal Income Tax and Benefit Returns in 2023 and can receive the credit even if they do not owe income tax. Residents must keep detailed receipts for their eligible Ontario accommodation expenses.

The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit is part of the government’s plan to drive economic recovery and long-term growth so the province can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

• The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit is estimated to provide $270 million in support as part of the 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario .
• The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit is expected to provide support to about 1.85 million Ontario families.
• Tourism plays a critical role in Ontario’s economy. Prior to the pandemic, the industry generated $38 billion in economic activity in 2019 and supported approximately 395,000 jobs.

"With more than 40,000 people in Niagara who rely on tourism to support their families, this tax credit offered by the province will make a big impact. Hospitality is what Niagara Falls does best and with programs that we have had in place throughout the pandemic, like safetoplay.ca and safetostay.ca we are ready, our doors are open and we are thrilled to welcome more visitors from across Ontario!" - Mayor Jim Diodati City of Niagara Falls

"The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario welcomes the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and encourages all Ontarians to continue to explore their own province this year. TIAO thanks Minister MacLeod for her continued support for Ontario’s hard-hit tourism and hospitality sectors." - Chris Bloore President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

"The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit provides an added incentive for the people of Ontario to explore and discover their own province. We are grateful to Minister MacLeod for finding an innovative way to benefit families as well as businesses in the tourism sector of Ontario." - Joel Noden Director of Marketing and Business Development, HOCO Entertainment & Resorts Limited

Learn more about Ontario Staycation Tax Credit

The 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario

Visit Ontario’s COVID-19 website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19

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Learn more about the live performances, cultural institutions and creative grants the province has to offer. Learn more

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Learn about taxes in Ontario and what they support, including tax credits you can get to help you with living and business costs. Learn more

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Tax seasons are not a favourite for many. For most, getting assistance from a qualified accountant is the go-to option. However, understanding your tax payments and claims is paramount. If you love to travel, you probably have started exploring travel medical insurance options. And you may already have a ton of quotes from different travel insurance providers. For example, if you like travelling by boat, you can get quotes for boat insurance in Alberta and boat insurance in Red Deer . 

Confused about whether to claim your travel insurance costs when filing your income tax? Well, we will break it all down for you, so be sure to have a copy of your travel insurance documents for the income tax filing. You never know, you could save some money on your travel insurance in the next tax season!

Is travel insurance eligible for tax credits?

Travel insurance is expensive. Whether travelling for a short trip, an extended holiday with the family or are suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, anyone will tell you one thing. NEVER make travel plans without the necessary insurance. Luckily, you can recoup part of the travel medical costs via the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit. These tax credits pave a way for travellers to cut down on their tax liability. However, one must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a claim. 

What are the travel insurance tax deduction provisions in Canada? 

• You can only claim travel medical costs. This eliminates other travel insurance-related claims such as travel interruption, cancellation or even baggage insurance. You may have travel insurance that provides coverage for all travel-related perils. However, the only amount that can be claimed for a refund is that which is related to the medical costs that will be incurred during the travel period. This also applies to other eligible uninsured medical expenses that a traveller incurs when travelling outside Canada. 
• Travellers can claim medical expenses incurred outside and inside Canada. However, you MUST NOT have received reimbursement for the expenses. For instance, if you have an insurance policy, your insurer must not have reimbursed the extra medical expenses incurred. 
• Employed persons cannot make claims on health benefits received by the employer which are reimbursed to the said person. However, if the insured incurred travel medical costs out of pocket, then they can file a tax claim. 
• Medical costs paid to a private health services plan for a spouse, self or anyone connected by blood can be claimed on the income tax. 
• You will be required to provide documents that show proof of your medical travel insurance to CRA. This will show the cost of the premium and the eligibility of the policy for a tax credit. As such, you should ensure you safely store the travel medical insurance receipt if you plan on making a claim. 
• You will not receive the medical travel expenses in full in the tax credit. The Canadian government only reimburses part of the travel medical expenses. 
• The Canadian government only offers tax credits for medical expenses up to a minimum dollar value threshold. 
• If an employer makes contributions for the employees to a private health services plan, the employees will not be granted any taxable benefit, meaning that they can not make a claim. However, if an employee pays medical premiums to a private health services plan, the costs qualify as medical expenses. As such, the employee can claim the travel costs and reap the tax deduction benefits. 

Want to have a stress-free travel experience? Here are some common travel insurance mistakes to avoid. 

• Not disclosing your true health status - Most travel insurers do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you receive treatment for a pre-existing condition that was not declared, your insurer may decline your claim or even cancel your policy. This may also make it difficult to claim a tax refund on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses incurred. 
• Purchasing a travel insurance policy based on price as opposed to coverage - Travel insurance can be expensive. Most travellers often make the mistake of purchasing a policy based on the pricing and ignore the coverage. Given that cheaper insurance plans may not provide sufficient coverage, always be on the lookout for the deductible amounts and reimbursement amounts. 
• Failure to scrutinize the policy’s exclusions and limitations - Insurance policies have coverage exclusions and limitations. For instance, your travel insurance may not provide coverage for some sporting activities such as parachuting. To avoid getting unpleasant surprises when making claims, ensure you discuss your travel plans with your insurer and get clarification on the coverage provided. 
• Failure to purchase coverage for the entire duration of the trip - Travel insurance should provide coverage for the entire trip. While it is not wrong to extend the duration of your trip, ensure you contact your insurer and inform them of the travel dates changes. 
• Travelling to a different province in Canada without travel insurance - Most Canadian residents ignore the fact that provincial health insurance does not provide coverage for all emergency medical care costs when outside your province. For instance, ambulance and prescription drugs are not covered under the provincial health insurance plan, meaning that you will be required to pay out of pocket if need be. 
• Relying only on free travel insurance coverages - You may have travel insurance included in your credit card, bank account or even your group insurance. However, take time to understand the coverage provided. Most free insurance plans provide the least coverage and are, in most cases, not suitable for travel plans, especially without another travel insurance plan. 
• Purchasing travel insurance too late - Travel insurance is often forgotten when making travel plans. Buying travel insurance too late may limit a traveller from comparing quotes from other insurance. When purchased late, you are most likely to pay exorbitant rates. 

While you will not receive the full travel expenses incurred when you make a tax claim, you can still save some money on your medical travel expenses. Tax claims can be uncertain. However, remember it is always wise to claim and receive no reimbursement than not to claim at all and miss out on a refund. If you are planning on making a claim, always ensure you have your papers, receipts and any other vital information that may be required.   

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Claiming the Ontario staycation tax credit on an Airbnb trip? You may run into trouble

Some airbnb customers say they've been denied hst numbers but company says it's provided them when requested.

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Emily Young went on three family vacations within Ontario last year thinking she would be eligible for the province's "staycation tax credit."

But when she went to file her taxes this month, Young couldn't find the HST number associated with the Airbnbs she stayed at. The HST number is required to claim the credit.

When she took her concerns to Airbnb, Young said she was told she would need to request the information directly from the host, not the platform.

One host was able to provide her with an HST number, but the two others told her to contact customer service. Young did that, but says Airbnb told her it couldn't provide the number due to "privacy reasons."

"I was hoping that I could get this resolved so that I could fill out that HST part and not be denied this vacation credit," Young told CBC Toronto. 

"Something doesn't sit right."

• Ontario won't make staycation tax credit permanent despite calls from industry

Airbnb's customer service told Young in an email it had given her case "careful consideration" but that it was "unable" to provide the information she was looking for. 

"We understand that this might not be what you'd hoped for, but we came to this outcome because the HST number is not information that we provide to our guests," said the email seen by CBC Toronto.

The short-term rental platform told CBC Toronto it has been providing the information upon request.

"We have shared the HST number with hosts and guests who have requested it," said Airbnb spokesperson Matt McNama in a statement to CBC Toronto Monday.

McNama did not comment on Young's case or provide any further information.

Credit expected to give $270M back to Ontarians

Ontario's staycation tax incentive was introduced in 2022 to encourage families to explore the province following some difficult years for the tourism sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit allows Ontarians to claim up to 20 per cent of eligible accommodation expenses, up to $1,000 per person or $2,000 per family. That works out to a maximum return of $200 per person or $400 per family.

The incentive applies to leisure stays between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022.

• Planning a staycation? You can claim a tax credit if you travel in Ontario this year

Young, who lives in Mississauga, said her accommodations in Prince Edward Country, Owen Sound and Midtown Toronto, came up to roughly $3,000 in total. She was hoping to make a few hundred dollars back through the tax claim.

"The government probably shouldn't have put so many stipulations on the vacation credit and [made] it difficult for people to achieve … or they shouldn't have said that Airbnbs are included if Airbnb is not going to provide the information for us," Young said.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Ontario residents can qualify for accommodation expenses for a leisure stay of less than a month within the province, such as at hotel or campgrounds. Motels, resorts, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages and vacation rental properties are also eligible. 

According to the province, Airbnbs do qualify for the credit as they fall under vacation rental properties.

No word on what to do if HST number denied

Still, other Airbnb clients have experienced similar difficulties when trying to obtain HST numbers from Airbnb, Toronto accountant Sandra DaCosta says. 

She said many of her clients have told her they were not given an HST number after requesting it from the vacation rental platform.

"It's a little frustrating because I think this took a lot of people by surprise," DaCosta said.

"People send me their vacation tax receipts, some of them have HST numbers and some of them don't," she said.  

"Some [clients] have used the unfortunate third party sites to book their space, for example Airbnb, which in this situation can be difficult to get the HST number."

• Ontario's tourism sector won't fully recover from pandemic until 2025, report says

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance said accommodation providers — meaning either the company or the individual hosts themselves — must be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). According to Airbnb's website , those taxes apply to its listings.

When asked what customers should do if they're not given an HST number, the ministry did not respond.

"Detailed receipts should be kept for any eligible expenses claimed for the credit," said ministry spokesperson Scott Blodgett.

The receipts must include the locations of the accommodation, the total portion paid by an individual or family for their stay, the amount of any GST/HST paid, the date of the stay and the name of the payor, he added.

In December, Ontario's tourism minister announced that the province won't be extending the 2022 staycation tax credit for another year, despite the hard-hit industry recommending the move as a way to help it recover from the pandemic.

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Ontario Staycation Tax Credit: What You Need To Know in 2022

By Arthur Dubois | Published on 26 Jul 2023

If you are a resident of Ontario and are planning a short trip anytime soon, you may consider opting for a staycation in the province. At least you get to receive some money back from the Ontario government for enjoying the thrill of beautiful places in the province. It certainly makes saving for a vacation a little easier. If this sounds too good to be true, it is not. Here’s how it works.

The Ontario staycation tax credit

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the hospitality and tourism industry, as in-person gatherings were either prohibited or limited. As a result, the Ontario government aims to revive the sector through a temporary staycation tax credit. If you lodge in an Ontario-based accommodation in 2022, you can get up to 20 percent of your stay expenses as a tax credit when you file your income tax and benefit return. 

Through the Ontario staycation tax credit, you can receive a $200 credit, $400, if you have a family. The staycation credit applies to a maximum of $1,000 per person. If you have a spouse, common-law partner, or children, your family can claim the credit up to a maximum of $2,000.

The Ontario staycation tax credit is refundable. A refundable credit means that even if you do not have an income tax payable in 2022, you will receive the credit as a refund from the Ontario government. If you have a tax payable, the staycation credit will reduce your taxes.

The credit reduces your taxes dollar for dollar. For example, if you owe income taxes of $1,000 and have eligible staycation expenses of $1,000, the Ontario staycation tax credit will reduce your income tax by $200 (20% x $1,000). You will then owe the Ontario government $800. If you do not owe any taxes, you will receive the $200 as a refund from the Ontario government as a cheque or direct bank transfer payment.

Who can claim the Ontario staycation credit?

If you are thinking of traveling from another province for a staycation in Ontario solely for the staycation tax credit, it may not be worth it. You have to be a resident of Ontario on the last day of the year, December 31, to claim the tax credit. If you were an Ontario resident in the early months of 2022 but moved to a new province before the end of the year, you cannot claim the Ontario staycation tax credit. Likewise, if you relocate to Ontario and remain a resident on December 31, 2022, you can claim the staycation credit for eligible expenses.

Only one member of a family can claim the Ontario staycation credit. So, if you have a spouse, common-law partner, or eligible children, either you or your spouse or common-law partner can claim the credit for the family when filing a tax return. Your children cannot claim the credit even if they are eligible.

Staycation expenses you can claim when filing your return

Your travel needs to be short-term, typically shorter than a month, to qualify for the Ontario staycation tax credit. Generally, you can claim the tax credit when you lodge in a hotel, motel, resort, lodge, bed-and-breakfast, cottage, or campground. If your stay exceeds a month, you may not be able to claim the tax credit.

Also, for your accommodation expenses related to your travel to be eligible, you need to lodge between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. The expense eligibility does not depend on when the time you made the actual payments. For example, if you incur the accommodation expense before the end of the year but pay sometime in January 2023, you can still claim your expenses when filing your tax return. 

Your staycation expense is only eligible when you or your family member, usually your spouse, common-law partner, or child, pays for the leisure time. If your friend gifts you a staycation in a short-term Ontario accommodation, you cannot claim the staycation expense. Also, if you are fortunate to go on a trip that your employer sponsors or reimburses, the Ontario government does not allow you to claim the related travel expense.

Ensure that you keep a receipt that shows the details of your travel expense, including the cost for accommodation, your name, accommodation name and address, Goods and Services Tax ( GST) /Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) , and dates. 

What expenses are ineligible for the Ontario staycation tax credit?

You cannot claim all your travel costs through the staycation credit. For example, your travel needs to be for personal or family leisure time and not business purposes. Work-related travel expenses are not eligible for the Ontario staycation tax credit.

The Ontario staycation tax credit applies only to accommodation costs. You cannot claim expenses for feeding or costs related to a vehicle, flight, or any other means of transportation. Also, accommodation expenses in programs like timeshare agreements are not eligible for the tax credit. This is also not allowed: lodging in self-propellable accommodation such as on a train or boat. The Ontario government will not let you claim the related travel expenses. 

Don’t forget the details

Thanks to the Ontario staycation tax credit, you can get up to a $200 refund, or $400 for a family. The catch is that you stay in an eligible short-term accommodation in Ontario. Only the lodging expense is eligible: up to a maximum of $1,000 or $2,000 for a  family. 

The important part is who pays for the accommodations. It must be you, your spouse, common-law partner, or an eligible child. Otherwise, the Ontario government does not allow you to claim this credit. The staycation credit is temporary. It applies to trips you take on or before the last day of the year in 2022. 

The Ontario staycation credit is refundable. What does that mean? It means that you receive the credit even if you do not owe any taxes for 2022.  Remember to keep your trip expense receipts for when you file your tax return in 2023. 

Arthur Dubois

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Claiming Medical Expense Travel Credits

Canada is vast and some of the most beautiful places in our great country to live are quite remote. One of the drawbacks of living outside a major city center can be that if you need medical care, you may need to travel a long way to get it.  Thankfully, depending upon how far you have to go for your care, the government of Canada may allow you to claim medical expense travel credits.

Many of the expenses that you may incur to travel for medical treatment or expenses that you incur on behalf of your spouse or dependants are tax-deductible.  Eligible expenses may include transportation costs, meals, and accommodation for both the patient and an attendant if required. Let’s explore the allowed eligible expenses and how to claim them .

How Far Do I Need to Have Travelled to be Eligible for Claiming Medical Expense Travel Credits?

Anyone who has had to pay for parking at a hospital knows how expensive it can get. While it would be nice to be able to deduct those expenses , unless you traveled more than 80 km for medical care, your parking expenses aren’t deductible.

To claim transportation and travel expenses with the CRA, the following conditions must be met:

• There were no equivalent medical services near your home
• You took a direct route
• It was reasonable for you, under the circumstances, to travel to the place you did for those medical services

If you traveled at  least 40 km  (one way) to get medical services, you can claim the cost of public transportation (ex. bus, train, or taxi fare). If public transportation isn’t available, you may be able to claim vehicle expenses.

If you traveled  more than 80 km  (one way), you can claim vehicle expenses, accommodation, meals, and parking expenses.

Whether you traveled more than 40km or 80 km, if a medical practitioner has certified that you can’t travel without help, you may also claim the travel expenses you pay for an attendant.

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How are Vehicle Costs Calculated by the CRA?

If driving to get medical care is necessary, you can claim the cost of fuel, oil, license fees, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, including parts . Depreciation, provincial tax, and finance charges are all eligible.

There are two methods to calculate vehicle expenses — the detailed and the simplified method .  If you use the detailed method, keep track of the number of kilometers driven in the 12-month period you choose for medical expenses. Then, calculate the percentage of your total vehicle expenses that relate to the kilometers driven for medical treatment.

For example; if you drove 10,000 km during the year and 5000 of those kilometers were related to medical treatment (more than 40 km away), you can claim half of your total vehicle expenses on your tax return.

If you chose the simplified method, you only need to determine how many km you traveled for medical treatment in the 12-month period. Multiply the km  by the rate for your province . The rates are different for each province or territory, are updated annually, and can be found at the Canada Revenue Agency’s website.

Whether you choose the detailed method or the simplified method, be sure to save all your receipts in case the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) asks to see them later.

How do I Claim Meals?

• You need to have traveled more than 80 km for care to claim meals with the CRA. Just like vehicle costs, you can choose the use the detailed method or the simplified method.
• To use the detailed method, you tally the actual cost of each meal .
• If you choose the simplified method, you may claim up to $17 per meal, up to a maximum of $51 per day , including sales tax.
• Whether you choose the detailed method or the simplified method, be sure to keep those receipts.

What are the Rules for Accommodations?

• To claim accommodations, like meals, you need to have traveled more than 80 km for medical services.
• Accommodation claims are based on your receipts, and only the cost — with taxes — of the stay is eligible . Extra costs like room service, movies, and phone calls are not included.

Travel outside of Canada

Outside of Canada medical expenses may also be eligible. You have to meet all the following conditions:

• practitioners must be authorized in their country of service by law. In the case of hospital stays, the institution must be public or a licensed private hospital.
• the  health care services you receive must not be available in your area, and you must be required to travel to access them .

Travel Companions

If your spouse, your common-law partner, or another individual travels with you, you may be able to include that person’s expenses as part of your medical expense tax credit. To include these expenses, you need to have  a note from your physician or another authorized medical practitioner that certifies that you were unable to travel alone .

If you qualify, you can write off the cost of your travel companion’s transit tickets, accommodation, and meals, depending on how far you have traveled for your medical care.

Related articles

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What benefits do Canadian tax-filers enjoy?

Workers and those earning an income in Canada will have until April 30th, 2024 to file their taxes for the 2023 fiscal year. For many recent newcomers and international graduates in Canada, it may be their first time doing so.

While filing one’s tax return (also called “doing one’s taxes”) may seem like a disadvantage to some, the benefits often far outweigh any potential drawbacks when reporting an income. This article will cover some of the benefits that new tax-filers in Canada may be able to access.

Click here to consult a tax expert today

Receiving a tax-refund

Many salaried tax-filers in Canada will be eligible for a tax-refund upon filing their income taxes. This tax refund represents money that individuals can receive from the government for overpaying their taxes throughout the fiscal year.

A tax refund can also be generated after a review of tax credits, deductions and expenses—which occurs at the time of filing returns. Tax credits refer to money that the government can provide based on an individual’s eligibility for different programs (more on this later).

Deductions refer to amounts that can be subtracted from your income when filing tax returns to reduce the amount owed based. Finally, expenses are the total amount of taxes owed by an individual (effectively the opposite of a refund), which usually occurs if taxes are underpaid throughout the year.

Credits and benefits

In addition to receiving a tax refund, filers in Canada also enroll themselves into several credit and benefit programs (based on their eligibility), by doing their taxes every year.

Some examples of these credits include:

• The Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit—a tax-free quarterly payment which helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay;
• The Canada workers benefit—a refundable tax credit to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income;
• The Canada training credit—a refundable tax credit available from 2020 onwards, to help individuals offset the cost of eligible training fees. Filers must be at least 26 years-old to be eligible to claim this credit;
• The disability tax credit—a non-refundable tax credit to help persons with disabilities (or the person supporting them) reduce the income tax that they must pay. Eligibility for this credit can also lead to enrolment in other provincial and federal tax programs; and
• The Canada child benefit—a tax free credit that is available to some families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

The government of Canada also runs other tax credit programs. Find their dedicated webpage here . In addition, a comprehensive list of all tax deductions, credits and expenses can be found here .

For a newcomer’s guide on how to navigate filing taxes for the first time, click here . For more information on the topic, find our dedicated webpage here .

In addition, the government of Canada has created a benefits tool, to help newcomers and others understand what benefits they may be eligible for. The tool also covers other social programs and can be found here .

Click here for help filing your taxes

Why Choose H&R Block?

Canada's leading tax preparation firm for more than 60 years, the fine people at H&R Block have the expertise to handle all tax situations and have more than 1,000+ locations across from coast to coast.

Over the last 60 years, H&R Block's growth in Canada has been tremendous. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, H&R Block serves taxpayers in more than 1,000+ offices across the country. H&R Block's dedicated team of Tax Experts use the latest in electronic processing and filing technology to prepare all types of returns, including personal, small business, corporate, farm, trucker, fishing, U.S., rental and estate. With offices located across North America and in 13 foreign countries, H&R Block is able to prepare tax returns for all Canadians no matter where they are.

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Spark 1% Classic

• Everyday Rewards Unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date
• Capital One Travel Rewards Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Annual Fee $0
• Purchase Rate 29.99% variable APR

Spark 1.5% Cash Select

• Everyday Rewards Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date
• Purchase Rate 0% intro APR for 12 months; 21.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that
• Purchase Rate 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR

Spark 2% Cash Plus

• Everyday Rewards Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date
• Annual Fee $150 – Spend $150,000 annually and we’ll refund this fee every year.
• Pay-In-Full Card You must pay your full balance every month.

Venture X Business

• Everyday Rewards Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, with no restrictions or blackout dates
• Capital One Travel Rewards Unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Annual Fee $395

Spark 2X Miles

• Capital One Travel Rewards Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Annual Fee $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
• Purchase Rate 26.24% variable APR

Spark 1.5X Miles Select

• Everyday Rewards Unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase, with no restrictions or blackout dates

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Take our 3 minute card matching quiz to see which cards fit your business needs., automatic payments, $0 fraud liability, year-end summaries, free employee cards, purchase records, virtual card numbers.

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Your business may be eligible to work with a dedicated Relationship Manager who can guide you to the best card for your business and help you maximize your spend.

Each card’s respective one-time bonus is available by clicking the “Apply Now” button on this page, and may not be available if you navigate away from or close this page. The bonus may not be available for existing or previous Capital One Business card holders. Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Spark Cash Plus: Earn a cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months.

Once transferred, the expiry and value of transferred rewards are subject to the terms and conditions of the receiving loyalty program.

To receive a statement credit up to $100, you must use your Venture X Business or Spark Miles card to either complete the Global Entry application and pay the application fee, or complete the TSA PreCheck® application and pay the application fee. Credit will appear within two billing cycles, and will apply to whichever program is applied for first. One statement credit per account every four years, and your account must be open and in good standing when the credit is applied. Fees charged to a  Venture X Business or Spark Miles card  are not eligible. Refer to the Application or Account Terms for additional details.

Annually, eligible Venture X Business primary account holders will receive a $300 Capital One Travel credit (“Credit”) to use toward purchases made through Capital One Travel. Each annual Credit will expire on the next account open date anniversary. The Credit will be available within Capital One Travel and can be applied to purchases at checkout. The Credit may be used in whole for a single purchase or in part over multiple purchases. Rewards will not be earned on the Credit. If the purchase using the Credit is canceled, the Credit will be restored if it is not expired. An expired Credit will not be restored upon cancellation. A Venture X Business card account must be open and in good standing to receive or use the Credit.

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How to get your payments

There are 2 parts to the CCR, a basic amount and a rural supplement.

How to get the CCR basic amount

How you can get the CCR depends on whether you’re a resident of Canada or a newcomer.

Residents of Canada don’t need to apply to receive the CCR. They need to file their income tax and benefit return and we will send them the payments they are entitled to.

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, only one of you can get the payment for the family. It will be paid to the person who files their tax return first. No matter which one of you receives the payment, the amount will be the same.

In order to continue receiving the CCR, you must continue to file an income tax and benefit return every year even if you have no income to report.

If you are a new resident of Canada, follow the steps below to apply for the CCR .

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada child benefit (CCB)

• Fill out and sign Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application includes federal, provincial, and territorial programs to apply for all child and family benefits
• Complete Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application to capture your citizenship and residency information, along with your Statement of Income

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada child benefit (CCB)

• Fill out and sign Form RC151, GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals who Become Residents of Canada

Mail the completed form(s) to your tax centre. Find a CRA address

How to claim the CCR rural supplement

The CCR includes a supplement for residents of small and rural communities. To claim the rural supplement you must tick the box on page 2 of your income tax and benefit return.

As the rural supplement is already included in the basic amount for Prince Edward Island , individuals from that province don’t have to claim it on their tax return.

The 2022 rural supplement question for residents of small and rural communities from New Brunswick will be on the 2023 income tax and benefit return and a retroactive payment will then be issued for the 2022 base year.

The supplement is issued to the spouse or common-law partner who files their return first and is included with the CCR basic amount. Therefore, if you and your spouse or common-law partner are both residents of a small and rural communities, you should both complete the question on page 2 of your income tax and benefit return to avoid delays.

Find out if you qualify for the supplement for residents of small and rural communities .

If you are eligible for the rural supplement, but forgot to claim it on your income tax and benefit return, simply tick the box on page 2 on a copy of your income tax and benefit return and mail it to your tax centre or contact us at 1-800-387-1193 to apply.

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