Canada’s GST holiday is already almost over, with the tax break set to end in less than two weeks.

This limited-time deal from the federal government lets Canadians skip paying the goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) on a deceptively wide range of items.

While many people seem to think it’s just about groceries and kids’ stuff, there’s actually way more to this deal than meets the eye. From sneaky savings on luxury expenses to unexpected tax-free treasures for your hobbies, there are plenty of ways Quebecers can stretch their dollars during the tax break.

Even though Quebec doesn’t use HST, meaning shoppers here can only save the GST portion of the sales tax, that 5% can still add up, especially on big-ticket items — making this the perfect time to stock up on items you’ve been eyeing but hesitant to splurge on.

With just a handful of days left until the tax break ends on February 15, here are seven GST-free purchases you might not know qualify — and they’re definitely worth grabbing before the tax holiday ends.

Restaurant meals

Dining out or grabbing takeout might feel like a splurge, but for the next few weeks, it’s a splurge you can feel a bit better about. Whether it’s dine-in, takeout or delivery — at any restaurant from fast food to fancy date-night spot — you won’t pay the GST on your order.

This even extends to your delivery order through apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Skip, which we all know can add up quick. Just keep in mind that the service fee from the app itself will still have tax on it.

Alcohol

While hard liquor like vodka and whisky are still taxed, wine, beer, cider and coolers are included in the GST holiday.

Given that alcohol keeps well, stocking up on your favourites now means you can save a chunk of change. It’s also a great time to splurge on that special bottle you’ve been wanting to try, or just to have handy for future celebrations.

Shoes

Here’s a fun shopping hack: While the official list of tax-exempt items only includes children’s footwear, even if you don’t have any kids to shop for, many kids’ sizes actually overlap with adult ones.

If you wear a women’s size 8 (which is equivalent to a kids’ size 6.5) or smaller, you can also cash in on this deal — assuming your preferred shoe comes in kids’ sizes, of course. While it might be hard to find a fancy pair of heels or another more mature shoe style, if you’re in the market for sneakers, winter boots or slides, this could be the hack you didn’t know you needed.

Plus, kids’ shoes are already typically cheaper than their adult counterparts. Double savings? Yes, please!

Gaming consoles

If you’ve been eyeing a new console, now’s the time to make the leap. Not only are the consoles themselves GST-free, but controllers and physical games (like cartridges and discs) are too.

With some consoles costing over $1,000 these days, that could mean savings of $50 or more. This is your chance to upgrade your gaming setup at a discount — without having to wait 10 more months till Black Friday rolls back around.

Books

Pretty much all physical books — including physical copies of audiobooks like CDs and tapes — are eligible for the tax break, so you can skip the GST on your whole 2025 reading list. From cookbooks to the latest bestselling fiction, now’s the time to stock up and save on self-care.

Jigsaw puzzles

Speaking of self-care, what’s more relaxing than a jigsaw puzzle? They’re a relaxing hobby for all ages, and right now, you won’t pay GST on them (even ones marketed toward adults). Whether you’ve been wanting to take up this new hobby or add to your growing puzzle collection, this is the perfect excuse.

Christmas trees

Okay, this might be a controversial take, but now might just be the best time to buy a Christmas tree (an artificial one, that is). While it might sound odd to already be planning for next Christmas in February, with so many post-Christmas deals on, now could be your chance to save two times over and be ready extra early for next year’s festivities.

Whatever you plan to splurge on, keep in mind that the GST holiday wraps up on February 15 — so don’t wait too long to cash in on these unexpected savings!

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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.

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Christmas might be over, but Montreal’s winter lights scene is still glowing. And there’s no better way to soak up the magic than with a free Valentine’s Day stroll through downtown’s illuminated trail.

With over 800,000 twinkling lights and nine elaborate installations, the aptly named “Welcome to Wonder” is a winter spectacle waiting to be explored. Whether you’re heading out with your better half, best friends, or just on your own, this dreamy trail is worth checking out.

The series of displays, put together by Montréal Centre-Ville, takes folks through some of the city’s most iconic spots. The walk takes about an hour, but it could go longer as you’ll likely stop to snap a million photos along the way.

Over at Dorchester Square, you’ll find glowing light spheres, an illuminated bridge, and even a pair of giant moose. Phillips Square is where you’ll see the Birks building and The Bay shimmering in golden lights, with a glowing archway leading to a group of stunning deer sculptures.

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And if you want that ultimate fairytale vibe, Victoria Square has a tunnel of glowing archways and 43 hanging light structures that’ll transport you straight into a magical winter dream.

See on Instagram

Organizers of the project, which launched back in November, say the light displays were put up to add “warmth” to the longest season of the year. And given the weather we’ve been having, every bulb counts.

“With the downtown winter lights, we’re adding a bit of warmth and magic to the long winter nights. We’re especially proud to showcase our public spaces and downtown heritage,” noted Glenn Castanheira, general director of Montréal Centre-Ville in a press release. “This winter, any excuse is a good one to stroll under the glowing lights while enjoying everything downtown has to offer.”

But why stop at just the lights? You can also make a night of it by grabbing a warm drink from a cozy café, browsing a few downtown boutiques, or capping things off with a romantic dinner.

The illuminated trail will be sticking around until March, so if you can’t make it on Valentine’s Day, you still have time to take it all in.

To help plan your visit, a detailed map of the trail is available, outlining all the must-see stops along the route.

Welcome to Wonder features nine elaborate displays across town. Montréal Centre-Ville | Submitted to MTL Blog

Welcome to Wonder

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Price: Free

When: Until March 10

Where: Nine downtown locations:

• Dorchester Square
• Place du Canada
• Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
• McGill College Avenue / Place Ville Marie
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Square Phillips
• Place Jean-Paul Riopelle
• Square Victoria
• Place Monseigneur-Charbonneau

Montreal Centre-Ville website

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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.

Tax season is fast approaching, and if you’re like most Canadians, the thought of filing your income tax return might feel a bit overwhelming. But here’s some good news — there’s an easy way to do it online, and best of all, you can even do it for free.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recommends Canadians use its online service, NETFILE, to file their personal income tax return. According to the feds, this is how nearly 93% of taxpayers file their returns, and it can even mean you get your refund faster.

NETFILE offers a secure and straightforward way to do your taxes online, and it might just make your life a little easier this tax season. The CRA has outlined a few of the benefits that come with using the service, tips on how to file your tax return online — including your provincial return with Revenu Québec — and what you can expect to happen after you file.

Here are all the details you need to know about NETFILE and how to file your taxes online in Quebec.

What is NETFILE?

NETFILE is the CRA’s electronic tax-filing service that lets you file your personal income tax return online and send it directly to the CRA. Each year, the CRA certifies various tax software programs to use NETFILE to help you fill out and submit your tax return.

According to the CRA, using NETFILE-certified software means you’ll have fewer chances to make mistakes, you’ll get immediate confirmation once your return is received, and you can get your refund much faster than if you submit a paper return by mail.

How to file taxes online in Canada

Filing your taxes online is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a NETFILE-certified software: The CRA provides a list of certified tax software options, including free versions. Pick one that suits your needs.
2. Gather your documents: Have all your tax slips (like T4s), receipts, and last year’s Notice of Assessment handy. You can typically find many of these in your online CRA account.
3. Enter your information: Follow the prompts in the software to input your personal details, income, deductions and credits.
4. Use your NETFILE Access Code: Before submitting, you’ll be prompted to enter an eight-character Access Code found on your previous year’s Notice of Assessment. While not mandatory, entering this code allows you to use information from your previous tax return when confirming your identity with the CRA. If you’re filing your tax return for the first time, this code won’t apply to you.
5. Submit electronically: Once everything is entered, submit your return through the software. You’ll receive a confirmation number from the CRA — keep this for your records.

Who can use NETFILE?

Most Canadians can use NETFILE to file their taxes online, but there are a few exceptions. For instance, if you’re filing a tax return for a year before 2017 or if you’re preparing a return for someone else, you’ll need to use paper forms — each person must file their own return.

You also can’t use NETFILE if:

• You went bankrupt in 2023 or 2024 (a proposal for bankruptcy doesn’t count)
• You’re a non-resident of Canada

For a complete list of restrictions, check out the CRA’s NETFILE eligibility page.

How to get NETFILE access code

Your NETFILE Access Code is an eight-character combination of letters and numbers located on the right-hand side of your previous year’s Notice of Assessment.

While it’s not mandatory to enter this code, doing so allows you to use information from your 2023 tax return when confirming your identity with the CRA. If you don’t have it, you can still file, but you’ll need to rely on other information for authentication purposes.

How do I access NETFILE?

You don’t access NETFILE directly. Instead, you use NETFILE-certified tax software to prepare and submit your return. Once you’ve completed your return in the software, it will transmit your information securely to the CRA via NETFILE on your behalf.

Is NETFILE free?

Yes! NETFILE itself is a free service provided by the CRA. However, some NETFILE-certified tax software may charge fees. Thankfully, there are several free options available, so you can file without spending a dime.

When does NETFILE open in 2025?

At the moment, NETFILE and its companion service, ReFILE, are closed for filing tax and benefit returns. But don’t worry — they’re set to reopen for the upcoming tax season on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Once they’re back up, you’ll be able to file your tax return online almost any time of day, except between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET, when the system will be down for daily maintenance.

How long does NETFILE take?

The actual process of submitting your return through NETFILE takes just a few minutes. How long it takes you to fill out your own personal return depends on your individual tax situation, but using NETFILE-certified software is by far the fastest way to complete your return.

After submission, if you’re signed up for direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as eight business days — compared to eight weeks with a paper return, according to the CRA.

What happens after I file?

Once you’ve sent your return through NETFILE, the CRA will quickly issue a confirmation number once it has done a preliminary check of your return. This usually takes a few seconds. This number is proof that your return has been accepted through NETFILE for processing, so make sure you keep it in your records.

If the CRA needs more details or has any questions, they might give you a call — so it’s important to have a current telephone number on your tax return.

Once your return has been fully processed, you’ll get a Notice of Assessment, either in the mail or through your online CRA account if you’re signed up for email notifications. This notice will confirm your refund details and let you know if there are any issues with your return.

Can I file my Quebec tax return using the same software?

Unfortunately, Quebec residents need to file two separate tax returns — one with the CRA and one with Revenu Québec. Unlike other provinces, NETFILE can’t submit your Quebec provincial return automatically alongside your federal one.

That being said, the good news is that some NETFILE-certified tax software programs are also certified with Revenu Québec, which means you can file both your federal and provincial returns using the same software — as long as you pick one certified by both agencies.

Before you start, check that your chosen tax software is on both the CRA’s NETFILE-certified software list and the list of programs certified with Revenu Québec so you don’t have to file your provincial return manually.

Can I NETFILE my first return?

If you’re filing your tax return for the first time, you won’t have a NETFILE Access Code. However, you should still be able to use NETFILE to file your first return as long as the CRA already has your complete birthdate on file. If you’re registered for My Account, you can check that the government has your most up-to-date information on file before submitting your return.

If the CRA doesn’t have enough information to validate your identity or the information on your return doesn’t match what they have on file for you, there’s a possibility your online return could be rejected. But don’t panic! You can contact the CRA’s individual tax inquiries line for help resubmitting your return.

Filing your taxes online with NETFILE is a convenient and efficient way to manage your tax obligations. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth tax filing experience and a quicker refund. Happy filing, Montreal!

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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.