Manitoba carriers advised to check for sales tax refund eligibility

WINNIPEG (August 23, 2001) — Some carriers may be eligible for a Manitoba Retail Sales Tax refund on equipment and not know it, warned the Manitoba Trucking Association.

The MTA issued a statement yesterday saying that companies not registered under ISTA (Inter-provincial Sales Tax Agreement) prior to March 1, 2001, and operating extra-provincially may be eligible for a refund under Section 16.5 of the Retail Sales Tax Regulations. Broker drivers are not eligible for this refund.

Carriers that fit the criteria may have a refund due on tax paid to
Manitoba on trailers, repair parts, trailer leases, and the like if all retail sales tax was paid to Manitoba only on these items.

Under Manitoba regulations, these refunds are subject to a two-year
limitation. “In light of the two-year limitation and the amount of supporting documentation required, carrier members are strongly advised to investigate their opportunity for a refund without delay,” said MTA general manager Bob Dolyniuk.

To apply for the refund, contact Susan James, Specialized Refunds, Manitoba Department of Finance (204/945-2337).

There is a significant amount of supporting documentation required to accompany refund applications.

“As Manitoba has entered IRP on March 1, 2001, every day the application is not submitted will reduce the amount eligible for refund,” the Dolyniuk said. (For Manitoba carriers, sales tax on extra-provincial equipment and parts, repairs, etc, after March 1, 2001, is captured under IRP.)