Hi,
The Tax Advantage Every Canadian Gold and Silver Buyer Should Know
If you’re thinking about buying gold or silver in Canada, here’s a valuable tip: investment-grade bullion is exempt from GST/HST. That’s right—unlike most products sold across the country, qualified gold and silver bullion doesn’t come with added tax. But what exactly qualifies as tax-exempt? And how does this benefit you as a buyer?
Let’s break it down.
What Does “GST/HST Exempt” Mean?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) and HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) are federal taxes applied to most goods and services in Canada. But under the Excise Tax Act, the Government of Canada recognizes certain bullion products as financial instruments, not retail products, so they are not subject to sales tax.
This means if you’re buying eligible gold or silver bullion, you pay no GST/HST at checkout. The price you see is the price you pay.
Which Bullion Products Are Exempt?
To qualify for GST/HST exemption in Canada, a bullion product must meet specific criteria:
- Gold or silver must be 99.5% pure or higher
- Platinum must be 99% pure or higher
- The product must be in the form of a bar, ingot, coin, or wafer, typically traded by bullion dealers
Some popular examples that qualify:
- 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf Coins (99.99%)
- Royal Canadian Mint Silver Bars (99.99%)
- PAMP Suisse and Asahi Gold Bars
- Gold and Silver Monster Boxes
Products like jewelry, collectibles, or novelty coins do not qualify and will be taxed accordingly.
What This Means for You
If you’re buying gold or silver as an investment, this exemption can lead to significant savings, especially on large purchases. For example:
A $10,000 gold bar purchase with HST (13% in Ontario) would normally cost $11,300
With the exemption, you save $1,300—just by buying qualified bullion
That’s money you can reinvest, save, or put toward more precious metals.
Shop Smart with AU Bullion
At AU Bullion, we only sell investment-grade bullion that qualifies for tax exemption, so there are no surprises at checkout. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting our locations in Vancouver, Brampton, or Toronto, you can buy with confidence knowing your bullion is GST/HST exempt.
Final Thoughts
Tax rules can get confusing, but this one’s simple: buy the right bullion and skip the tax. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, knowing the GST/HST exemption rules in Canada helps you keep more of your money where it belongs—in precious metals. Ready to invest smartly? Explore AU Bullion’s tax-exempt products today and start building your wealth the efficient way.
