GST/HST Exemption Update: Not Yet in Effect!

Following the federal government's historic announcement, we want to remind RMTs that the GST/HST exemption for qualifying massage therapy services is not yet in effect. RMTs must continue charging and remitting GST/HST as usual until the exemption officially takes effect. The federal budget must still pass and receive Royal Assent before the proposed change can move forward. The RMTAO is monitoring developments and will share updates and guidance as more information becomes available.

A historic win for massage therapy in Canada!

Today, the federal government announced the removal of GST/HST on qualifying massage therapy services, marking a significant milestone for our profession and the millions of Canadians who rely on massage therapy to support their health and well-being.

This decision recognizes that massage therapy is regulated as a health profession in at least five provinces, meeting the federal government's established criteria for exempting the professional services of regulated healthcare practitioners. It is an important recognition of the role that qualified, regulated massage therapists play in Canada's health-care system.

For patients, this means greater affordability and improved access to massage therapy, with no GST/HST charged on qualifying services. The RMTAO is incredibly proud to have been part of this collective advocacy effort alongside the Canadian Massage Therapist Association (CMTA), provincial associations, massage therapists, patients and supporters across the country.

To our members, thank you. Your support, advocacy, and commitment helped make this possible. Every letter sent, petition signed, conversation started, and opportunity to raise awareness helped bring us closer to this outcome. Your voices made a difference, and this achievement belongs to all of us. For years, we have advocated for massage therapy to receive the same tax treatment as other regulated health professions.

Today, we are seeing the results of that work. While there is still work ahead to support implementation and help RMTs understand what this change means for their practices, the RMTAO will continue to keep members informed as more details become available.

IMPORTANT - Until further details are confirmed, members should continue to follow the current GST/HST requirements applicable to their practice. Thank you for standing with us and being part of this achievement. Together, we made it happen!

Now is the time to join the RMTAO. Become a member today to access specialized resources, stay ahead of industry developments, and strengthen the collective voice advocating for massage therapy in Ontario.