GST Break: Impacts to PCard Reconciliation & Expense Claims

The Government of Canada recently announced that GST will not be added to eligible purchases* between December 14, 2024 to February 15, 2025. During this period, adjustments will be applied to meal-related claims, per-diems, and expense processes.

If you are reconciling your PCard or have travel and non-travel expense claims to submit, review the guidance below to ensure that GST is removed from all eligible purchases, including meals, according to your receipts. PCard transactions and travel and expense claims submitted must reflect what is on the supporting receipt or invoice. 

Notes: Meals and other eligible items purchased before December 14 but submitted during the GST break will still need to capture the GST paid appropriately. Please allow for additional time for claim processing as Compliance Services conducts manual checks for accuracy. 

How to adjust GST on hospitality meal claims, per diems (meal allowances), and other eligible items during the GST break

• Review your receipts - GST should not be automatically applied to meals, per diems (meal allowances) and other eligible items purchased during the GST break. 

• Indicate “No GST” in PeopleSoft Financials at the time of reconciliation/claim submission
  • For hospitality meal claims and other eligible items:
    • If GST is not listed on the receipt, check the box beside “No GST”  at the time of reconciliation in PeopleSoft Financials, under Accounting Details. 
    • If a GST amount is identified on your receipt, enter it in the GST field. You will be reimbursed for this amount if the purchase was made during the GST break period on an eligible expense. 
  • For per-diems (meal allowances): Check the box beside “No GST” in PeoplesSoft, under Accounting Details. This ensures no GST is allocated for CAD per diems during this time.

• Capture GST where required - For purchases made before the GST break period or for items that are not GST-exempt, ensure GST is properly captured in the system.

*What items are GST-exempt during this time? 

Eligible items to look out for that will be GST-exempt include:

• Prepared goods, snacks, and beverages.
• Printed books and print newspapers (does not include magazines, brochures, electronic or digital publications, periodicals, or general interest documents).

Questions? Contact the Staff Service Centre.