Manitoba carriers could receive sales tax refund

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WINNIPEG, Man. – The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) has learned the province’s many carriers may be eligible for a Manitoba Retail Sales Tax refund.

Bob Dolyniuk, general manager of the MTA, explains that companies not registered under the Inter-provincial Sales Tax Agreement (ISTA) prior to Mar. 1, while operating extra-provincially may be eligible for a refund under Section 16.5 of the Retail Sales Tax Regulations.

Despite reports to the contrary and a few mistakenly processed claims, owner/operators are not eligible for the refunds.

“Carriers that fit this criteria may have a refund due on tax paid to Manitoba on trailers, repair parts, trailer leases, etc.,” says Dolyniuk, stressing it applies only, “if all retail sales tax was paid to Manitoba only on these items.”

Under Manitoba regulations, these refunds are subject to a two-year limit.

Dan Janssens, senior management and research officer with Manitoba’s Finance Department, says that most carriers are aware of the refund and have already filed their applications.

However, he says some of the smaller carriers that may not have been aware of the refund should submit their documentation as soon as possible.

“For the most part, most of them have received it,” says Janssens. “But a lot of them weren’t aware that they could get it on their parts and repairs.”

Janssens has indicated that the department requires proof that retail sales tax was paid on their expenses and that some carriers have found the amount of money refundable to them wasn’t worth the trouble.

“If it’s a major amount, I guess some of them will (apply),” he says. “Once some of them called for it and they were told what all they needed they said ‘Ah, forget it.'”

Janssens also points out that many truckers rely on specialized tax services to file their paperwork with the government, and those services are almost certainly aware of the potential refund.

To apply for the refund, or to find out if you are eligible, contact Susan James, with specialized refunds in the Manitoba Department of Finance. She can be reached at 204-945-2337. She will explain how to make the proper application and which supporting documents are required to accompany the form.

“As Manitoba has entered IRP on Mar. 1,” adds Dolyniuk, “every day the application is not submitted, will reduce the amount eligible for refund.” n

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