Canada Report Shows Luxury Tax Impact

The recent revenue results released by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) since the luxury tax’s September 2022 implementation confirm the marine industry’s dire predictions of a significant market disruption. Despite strong opposition by the recreational marine industry, the luxury tax implemented an additional 10% tax on boats of more than $250,000.

Across Canada, recreational boating creates more than 75,000 jobs that support more than 4,800 businesses. Roughly 60% of boat owners have a household income of less than $100,000.

Prior to the implementation of the luxury tax, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released an analysis in May 2022 estimating that the vessels category would generate $18 million for the 2022-2023 period and an additional $34 million for the 2023-2024 period, totaling $52 million over 24 months.

The CRA data from September 1, 2022, to June 7, 2024, show that 450 vessels were subjected to the tax, with total collections amounting to $12,040,000 — falling $40 million short of the PBO’s projections. With market inventory for vessels over $250,000 nearing record lows, it is clear the CRA grossly overestimated the amount of revenue that would be collected.

The recreational boating industry strongly urges the government to repeal this tax. The impact on the Canadian marine industry is severe, with notable declines in sales, HST revenue and employment. The federal government must allow the recreational boating industry to return to its positive role in benefiting Canada’s economy.