You are not required to collect or remit GST or QST on exempt supplies of goods and services because these supplies are not subject to the taxes.

In addition, you cannot claim input tax credits (ITCs) or input tax refunds (ITRs) on taxable purchases acquired to make exempt supplies.

Note that exempt supplies are not taken into account in determining whether or not a person must register for the GST and QST.

Exempt supplies include the following:

• sales of most residential complexes that are not new;
• most long-term residential leases (one month or more);
• the provision of most health, education, childcare and legal-aid services;
• the provision of certain services by public sector bodies (that is, governments and public service bodies);
• the provision of most financial services.

Supplies of goods and services made by public service bodies (PSBs) are generally taxable supplies. However, supplies made by PSBs can be exempt supplies under certain conditions.

For more information, refer to Public Service Bodies – GST/HST and QST.

Charities

Supplies of goods and services made by charities are generally exempt supplies. However, supplies made by charities can be taxable supplies under certain conditions.

For more information, refer to Rules for Charities.