The following documents provides a short summary of changes to the application of Manitoba Retail Sales Tax (“RST”) taking effect December 1, 2021.
Streaming Services and Media Purchases
Effective December 1, 2021, the retail sale of streaming services and/or media content to purchasers that are ordinarily resident in Manitoba is subject to Manitoba RST.
Streaming service providers and other vendors of media content must register as a vendor and collect and remit RST on their retail sales to Manitoba customers.
A streaming service is a subscription that provides the right(whether exercised or not) to download, view or access, by means of an electronic device one or more of the following telecommunications:
- Music
- An audio program (including podcasts or radio broadcasts but excluding audiobooks)
- Television programs, movies or other video
- Ring tones (including text tones and other alert tones)
This includes livestreams or recordings of the above activities that can be accessed at a later date.
Electronic devices include computers, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, portable media players and TV-based or automobile-based media receivers.
Exemptions to the requirement to charge the RST apply to the participants of certain educational or training programs.
Online Sales Platforms for the Sale of Goods
Effective December 1, 2021, online sales platform operators, that also collect payment on behalf of online sellers that are making retail sales of goods (and any taxable service that relate to those goods), are required to register as a vendor and are responsible for the proper collection of RST, including determining the tax status and related taxable services for sale. They are required to collect and remit RST on all taxable sales made through their platforms, regardless of whether the online seller is registered as a vendor or the goods are shipped to the purchaser in Manitoba from an address outside of Canada.
An online sales platform is a website, app or other internet-based marketplace that enables or facilitates the retail sale of goods and the collection of payments on behalf of an online seller.
Online Accommodations Platforms
Effective December 1, 2021, online accommodation platform operators will be required to register as a vendor and collect and remit RST on all taxable sales of lodging located in Manitoba for a continuous period of occupation of less than one month made through their platforms, regardless of whether the online seller is registered as a vendor.
Online platforms providing classified advertising or listing services, that do not collect payment on behalf of the individual or business offering lodging through their platforms, are not considered to be online accommodation platforms for RST purposes.
Personal Services
Effective since December 1, 2021, RST will no longer apply on personal services, with the exception of tanning services. RST will continue to apply to tanning services via ultraviolet light emitting devices.
Those changes also imply that the personal service provider (who now provides exempt personal services) will no longer be able to claim an exemption for resale for materials consumed in providing those services.
For more information on various provincial and federal sales tax updates, visit our Indirect Tax services page or contact a member of Crowe Soberman’s Tax Group.
This article has been prepared for the general information of our clients. Please note that this publication should not be considered a substitute for personalized advice related to your situation.
