Sales and commodity taxes are a significant source of revenue for Canada's federal and provincial governments. The imposition of such taxes can increase the cost of carrying on business. Understanding Canada's varied web of sales and commodity taxes, and developing an approach that maximizes profits while remaining in compliance with the law, frequently requires expert legal counsel.
McMillan's Tax Group is recognized as a leader in helping clients manage even the most complex sales and commodity tax challenges. We provide clients with pragmatic advice on matters relating to customs duties, harmonized sales tax (HST), goods and services tax (GST), Quebec sales tax, British Columbia provincial sales tax, federal excise tax and duties, provincial land transfer taxes, and other provincial taxes, such as gasoline, fuel and tobacco taxes.
We also help our clients minimize Canadian customs duties by providing advice on customs valuation, tariff classification, rules of origin, and NAFTA verification matters. We apply our expertise in pursuing domestic trade remedies for domestic and foreign producers, exporters, importers and other interested parties relating to all aspects of anti-dumping, subsidy, countervailing and safeguard proceedings.
In all matters, we focus our efforts on providing timely, practical and commercially-oriented advice. Our lawyers work regularly with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, financial service companies, importers, exporters, and other industry players to review contracts and provide compliance and planning guidance.
McMillan helps its clients navigate the complex world of sales and commodity taxation by:
- Assisting with GST/HST compliance measures and ruling requests, voluntary disclosures, audits, objections and appeals
- Advising on specialized tax legislation, such as the Excise Tax Act (Canada), and on special levies imposed by the federal and provincial governments
- Advising on the application of commodity-specific taxes
- Helping non-Canadian entities understand the impact of the federal GST/HST on their business operations in Canada