Consumers warned that some stores haven't cut GST
Last Updated: Monday, July 3, 2006 | 9:35 AM ET
CBC News
Consumer groups are warning people to keep a close eye on their receipts in the next few months to ensure that the one percentage point cut in the GST makes it into their wallets.
The federal government cut the Goods and Services Tax effective July 1, lowering it from seven per cent to six.
But a Quebec consumer watchdog has warned that some businesses in the province are continuing to charge seven per cent — either because they claim they don't know about the cut or because have not gotten around to adjusting their cash registers.
Genevieve Reed, the head of research at the Montreal-based consumer group Options Consommateurs, said people can seek recourse if they've been overcharged.
"Consumers may seek a refund of the overpaid tax directly from the retailer because it's the law," she said. "So you are in your right to ask for the reduced rate."
People who are buying more costly items such as computers also have another option instead of confronting the retailer directly, she said.
"As an alternative, consumers may file a rebate for the tax paid with the Canadian Revenue Agency."
The Canada Revenue Agency has also said it's up to consumers to police the GST cut, as there are no fines for businesses that do not decrease the tax.
Consumers can fill out a form, with their receipts to prove they didn't get the cut, or they can call the agency.
The GST cut had been one of the top priorities for Stephen Harper and the Conservatives during the campaign for the Jan. 23 parliamentary election.
After the Conservatives took power, they quickly followed through on the promise — a move that is expected to cost the government $3.52 billion in 2006 and $5.17 billion in 2007.
