Money works differently in Quebec: between sales taxes, two levels of income tax, and the credit system, there's a lot to learn.
Taxes: the displayed price is not the price you pay
GST (federal) 5% + QST (provincial) 9.975% = approximately 15% more than the displayed price. Exempt: basic groceries, prescription medications, certain children's clothing.
Tipping
15-20% before taxes at restaurants. 15% for hairdressers, taxis, delivery. Quick tip: the amount of both taxes ≈ 15%.
The tax system
Two separate returns: federal (ARC) and provincial (Revenu Québec). Deadline: April 30. Even with little income, file your return to access the Canada Child Benefit, Allocation famille du Québec, GST/HST credit, and solidarity tax credit.
CARI offers a tax assistance service (March-April).
Building your credit
Your score starts at zero in Canada (300 to 900). Get a secured credit card, use it regularly, ALWAYS pay the full balance, pay all your bills on time, don't use more than 30% of your limit. Free check: Equifax or TransUnion.
Approximate monthly budget (single person)
- Housing: $1000-1400
- Groceries: $300-500
- STM transit: $100
- Phone: $40-70
- Internet: $50-80
- Hydro: $60-120
- Home insurance: $20-40
- Miscellaneous: $200-400
- Total: $1770-2710
Benefits you're entitled to
ACE (per child < 18), Allocation famille QC, GST/HST credit, solidarity credit, work premium. All calculated from your tax return.
