Elimination of the simplified method for a large
bussiness under the QST system
Vol. V No. 6 • December 20, 2013
AUTOMOBILE BENEFITS
Automobile benefits are the total of the stand-by charge and the operating expense benefit.
In October 2013, the Minister of Revenue of Quebec announced that large businesses will no longer be able to use the simplified method (LB simplified method) to calculate an input tax refund (ITR) with respect to expenses incurred by and allowances paid to employees effective January 1, 2014.
As a reminder, a large business is defined as a business where the value of taxable supplies 1, other than supplies of financial services, made in Canada 2 by the registrant, and by any person with whom it is associated, exceeds $10 million during its last taxation year.
From January 1, 2014, only theQST factor method (explained below) will be allowed to be used to determine ITRs. Please note that a taxpayer is always permitted to use the actual amount of QST paid with respect to expense reimbursements.
The QST factor method will have to take into account the following ITR restrictions applicable to large businesses:
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- Purchase or lease of road vehicles under 3,000 kilograms that must be registered under the Highway Safety Code to be driven on public roads;
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- Fuel used to supply the engine of such vehicles, except diesel;
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- Electricity, gas, steam or combustibles, except when used to produce personal property intended for sale;
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- Telephone services and other telecommunications services, except Internet access services and “1-800”, “1-888” and similar numbers; and
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- Food, beverages and entertainment that are only 50% deductible under the Taxation Act.
QST FACTOR METHOD
Expense Reimbursements
Effective January 1, 2014 when an employer reimburses an expense incurred by an employee in relation to activities of their employer, the employer may claim an ITR by using either the QST factor method or the actual amount of QST paid. To be eligible, the following conditions should apply:
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- The reimbursement is paid to an employee, partner or volunteer;
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- The expense must be incurred for consumption or use in relation to activities of the employer, partnership, charity or public institution;
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- The employee, partner or volunteer has paid the tax payable.
The following are some aspects of the QST factor method:
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- The factor applicable to a reimbursement will be 9/109;
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- At least 90% of the expenses reimbursed will have to be expenses relating to taxable supplies, other than zero-rated supplies, of property or services acquired by an employee in Québec;
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- Small and medium-sized businesses will be subject to a limit on entertainment expenses varying between 1.25% and 2% of their gross revenue;
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- Large businesses will have to respect the ITR restrictions that apply specifically to them.
ITRs in respect of reimbursements of expenses incurred on or after
January 1, 2014, based on the calculation method
| Examples of categories | Large businesses | Small and medium-sized businesses | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual amount of QST paid | QST factor method | Actual amount of QST paid | QST factor method | |
| Meals | No ITR (restriction applicable to large businesses) | No ITR (restriction applicable to large businesses) | QST paid subject to any restrictions that may apply | 9/109 of the reimbursement subject to any restrictions that may apply |
| Lodging | QST paid | 9/109 of the reimbursement | QST paid | 9/109 of the reimbursement |
| Transportation (train, bus, airplane) | QST paid | 9/109 of the reimbursement | QST paid | 9/109 of the reimbursement |
Expense Allowances
The QST factor method will not apply to the calculation of an ITR when an expense allowance is paid to an employee. However, on or after January 1, 2014, an ITR equal to 9.975/109.975 of the allowance may be claimed under the following conditions:
- The allowance is deductible (in whole or in part) in the calculation of the registrant’s income, pursuant to the Taxation Act;
- At least 90% of the expenses are taxable expenses (excluding zero-rated expenses);
- The expense is incurred in Quebec
ITRs in respect of expense allowances paid on or after January 1, 2014
| Examples of categories | Large businesses | Small and medium-sized businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | No ITR (restriction applicable to large businesses) | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance subject to any restrictions that may apply |
| Kilometres travelled | No ITR (restriction applicable to large businesses) | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance |
| Lodging | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance |
| Transportation (train, bus, airplane) | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance | 9.975/109.975 of the allowance |
For additional information, please contact a member of our Tax Deparment.
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