By Ramsey Rumig, RMT | Blue Mountain Wellness | November 2026
Short answer: not yet, but it's close. On November 5, 2026, the federal government tabled Budget 2026, and it proposes adding qualifying massage therapists to the list of health care practitioners whose services are exempt from GST/HST [1][2]. In Ontario, that's the 13% HST [3]. It still has to be passed into law, so for now it's a proposal, not a done deal.
Here's what the budget actually says, who it covers, and what it may mean for you as a client.
What did Budget 2026 propose for massage therapy?
The budget's tax measures say qualifying massage therapists would be added to the list of health care practitioners whose professional services are exempt from GST/HST [1]. That's the same list doctors, dentists and physiotherapists are already on.
The reason given is simple. The government generally exempts a health profession once it's regulated in at least five provinces, and massage therapy now meets that test [1].
Who counts as a qualifying massage therapist?
The budget sets out two ways to qualify [1]:
In a province that requires a licence or certification to practise, the therapist holds it.
In a province that doesn't, the therapist has qualifications equivalent to what another province requires.
Ontario is the first kind. Massage therapy is a regulated health profession here, and an RMT has to be registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to practise. So the exemption is written to cover registered massage therapists, not anyone offering a massage.
When would it start?
The budget says the measure would apply to massage therapy provided after Budget Day [1]. Budget Day was November 5, 2026 [2].
That date matters, but so does the step that hasn't happened yet. Budget proposals become law when Parliament passes the legislation. Until then, it's fair to call it "in progress", and your RMT may keep charging HST while they wait for the final rules and for guidance from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Does every RMT charge HST right now?
No. A business only has to register for GST/HST once its taxable sales go over $30,000, which the Canada Revenue Agency calls the small supplier threshold [4]. Some RMTs fall under that and have never charged HST. Others are over it and add 13% to every treatment in Ontario [3][4].
So if you've noticed HST on one therapist's receipt and not another's, that's usually why.
What would it mean for you as a client?
If your RMT charges HST today, the exemption would take the 13% Ontario HST off future treatments, which works out to $13 on every $100 you pay (Canada Revenue Agency, GST/HST rates) [3].
It may also help your benefits stretch further. Most extended health plans cover massage therapy with either a yearly dollar maximum or a set number of visits. If yours is a dollar maximum, the HST you pay counts toward it, so a lower total per visit can mean a few more visits before you reach your limit. Check your own plan for the details, since every plan is different.
A couple of things won't change. You'll still need to see a registered massage therapist for your insurer to reimburse the treatment, and you'll still need a receipt with their registration number on it. I covered what a receipt needs in using your massage benefits before year end.
Frequently asked questions
Is massage therapy HST exempt in Ontario right now?
Not in law yet. Budget 2026 proposes the exemption, and it would cover massage therapy provided after November 5, 2026, once the legislation passes [1][2].
Does the exemption cover spa massages?
It's written for qualifying massage therapists, meaning in Ontario someone registered with the College [1]. A massage from someone who isn't registered wouldn't fit that description.
Will my receipts look different?
If your RMT charges HST now, the HST line should drop off once the exemption is in place. If they're under the small supplier threshold, nothing changes on your receipt [4].
Do I have to do anything?
No. The change would happen on the therapist's side. If you're unsure whether you've been charged HST, look at your last receipt or just ask.
Book a massage at home
We come right to you, anywhere from Wasaga Beach to Meaford, including Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Thornbury and Kimberley. You can book on our Jane booking page, and the services and FAQ page covers what to expect. You'll get a receipt after every visit for your benefits.
If you have a question about HST on your own receipts, just let me know.
Ramsey
Sources and References
Government of Canada. Budget 2026, Tax Measures: Supplementary Information, GST/HST Health Measures, Massage Therapy Services (https://budget.canada.ca/2026/report-rapport/tm-mf-en.html)
Department of Finance Canada. Government of Canada to release Budget 2026 on November 5, 2026 (https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/10/government-of-canada-to-release-budget-2026-on-november-5-2026.html)
Canada Revenue Agency. GST/HST rates by province (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/charge-collect-which-rate/calculator.html)
Canada Revenue Agency. When to register for and start charging the GST/HST (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/when-register-charge.html)
