Zero-Rated vs Exempt Supplies: What’s the Difference?

Zero-rated and exempt supplies both mean no GST/HST is charged, but they affect input tax credits differently. Here’s the distinction.

Zero-rated supply

Tax term

A zero-rated supply is taxable at 0% GST/HST. No tax is collected, but a registrant may generally claim input tax credits on eligible purchases used to make the supply.

Exempt supply

Tax term

An exempt supply is not subject to GST/HST. A registrant does not charge GST/HST and generally cannot claim input tax credits for purchases used to make exempt supplies.

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