Apple Now Charging Sales Tax on All iTunes Purchases and Apple Music Subscriptions in Canada - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Now Charging Sales Tax on All iTunes Purchases and Apple Music Subscriptions in Canada

by

As noted by customers on Reddit and Twitter, and on the blog iPhone in Canada, Apple has begun charging sales tax on the purchases of TV shows, movies, music, and audiobooks in iTunes and Apple Music subscriptions in Canada.

itunes affiliates
The change went into effect January 1, 2019, with GST, HST, PST, and/or QST collected depending on the province or territory.

In a statement issued to MacRumors, Apple said the tax collection is due to "recent changes in Canadian legislation" and the growth of Apple's business around the world, including Canada, where it has operated for nearly four decades:

As the world's largest taxpayer, we respect the important role taxes play in society. Due to recent changes in Canadian legislation and the growth of our business, sales tax will now be charged on purchases of TV, movies, music and audiobooks. Apple has been operating in Canada for 38 years and we are proud to deliver the best products and services in the world to our customers here.

Apple was already charging sales tax on the purchase of apps and select other digital items in Canada prior to January 1.

Tags: Canada, iTunes
Related Forum: Mac Apps

Top Rated Comments

98 months ago
It’s always like that in my country there’s always someone complaining when we don’t pay taxes.:mad: The province of Quebec is one of the most taxes places in the world. :( I’m proud to be Canadian but it’s a expensive place to live.:(
But the quality of life is amazing!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
98 months ago
Was hoping for News or Pay Cash to launch in Canada this year, but I guess we’ll have to settle with getting HST on digital purchases instead.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BuddyRich Avatar
98 months ago
Im wondering why they are applying it to all of Canada. The law changed on January 1st for Quebec residents only. Other provinces and the federal government do not require tax be levied on digital goods.

They have the ability to bill by province as each province (like states) have different rates.

Alberta has no PST so is GST only charged there?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
98 months ago
60 cents on $5? Ouch. That's a pretty steep sales tax.
15% (HST: federal + provincial).

Welcome to Canada. This partly pays for the universal healthcare.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dotnet Avatar
98 months ago
Bastards. Steve Jobs would have never allowed Canada to pass laws like that...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DakotaGuy Avatar
98 months ago
Confirmed. Just paid 60¢ tax on a $4.99 movie rental.
60 cents on $5? Ouch. That's a pretty steep sales tax.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Feature

'Apple Upgrade' Program Reportedly Launching Next Week

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30 am PDT by
Apple and Klarna are partnering on a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program set to launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The program will allow you to finance most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, with a 24-month term for iPhones and Apple Watches and a 36-month term for iPads and Macs. Customers will be able to pay off the device early during...
iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features

Friday July 17, 2026 10:39 am PDT by
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, ...
iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features

Tuesday July 21, 2026 6:22 am PDT by
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, ...