The art of taxation consists in so plucking
the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of
feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing
- Jean
Baptiste
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) takes effect July 1 in
Ontario and British Columbia, adding 8% additional tax onto
many services, including massage therapy.
Massage Therapy is not exempt
During the advent of GST in 2004, the government required
(arbitrarily it seems) a health care profession to be
regulated in five provinces or funded under the provincial
health plan in two provinces to be exempt.
The massage therapy profession is aggressively pursing the
ability to opt out of HST with three regulated provinces
(ON, BC and NFLD/LAB) with Alberta and New Brunswick seeking
regulation. Unfortunately we won't meet the criteria by the
July 1st deadline, and in the interim must charge the tax on
top of services.
How will this affect you?
On July 1st, the taxation will increase our base fees by an
additional eight percent.
Base Fee +GST (now) +HST (July 1)
60 min - $80 $84 $90
45 min - $60 $63 $67
30 min - $40 $42 $45
Ease the Tax Increase:
-
Do
assigned remedial exercise and hydrotherapy self-care to
resolve symptoms faster and more effectively.
-
Many
workplace health plans have caps/treatment or total coverage
amounts per year. Schedule your treatments to be most
intensive when you need them.
-
Allow
us to direct bill for Greenshield, BlueCross, auto insurance
and worker's compensation (WSIB) claims, saving you from
paying out-of-pocket.
-
Shorter
(½ or ¾ hour) sessions may address your symptoms, although
there may be some compromise to the soothing, nurturing
aspects of massage.
-
Endure!
One assessment suggests the average household will pay $500
(after tax credits) more in expenses/year due to HST.
Hopefully we'll find cost-savings elsewhere or adapt to the
situation. Note: the provincial election is due for next
year.
-
Ask
about home products your therapist recommends that can help
alleviate symptoms in between office visits.
Remember your investment in bodywork is to preserve your
body, relax your mind and invigorate your spirit. I
encourage you to keep habits that nurture you.
Value is intrinsic in the expertise. Thank you for placing
your care in my hands.
DQD
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