Get Your Free Estimate Now
"*" indicates required fields
Moving between Ottawa and Gatineau can change the tax on your moving bill. For freight transportation, an Ottawa-to-Gatineau move generally carries 5% GST, while the reverse move generally carries 13% HST.
However, Quebec applies a separate 9.975% QST rule to freight entering the province. As a result, the Ottawa-to-Gatineau freight portion does not automatically carry the full 14.975% combined rate.
Other services on the quote can also affect the final tax treatment. Below, we explain the rules, the tax difference, and what to check before you book.
The Two Tax Systems in Ottawa-Gatineau
Ottawa and Gatineau may be only a short drive apart, but they fall under different sales-tax systems. Ontario uses 13% HST, while Quebec uses 5% GST and 9.975% QST. CRA GST/HST rates.
| Tax component | Ontario | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Federal component | 5% | 5% GST |
| Provincial component | 8% | 9.975% QST |
| Combined rate | 13% HST | 14.975% |
These are the standard sales-tax rates in each province. The tax on a moving service can vary depending on where the move ends and what services are included.
How 13% HST Applies to a Move to Ottawa
For a freight transportation service destined for Ontario, the applicable GST/HST rate is generally 13% HST.
CRA’s place-of-supply rule looks to the service’s destination, not simply where the move begins.
For a customer, the important figures on the quote are the pre-tax charge, HST amount and final total.
Check what services are included in the pre-tax amount before comparing one moving quote with another.
How GST and QST Apply to a Move to Gatineau
Quebec uses 5% GST and 9.975% QST on taxable supplies where both taxes apply. A moving service supplied in Quebec can therefore show both taxes on the invoice.
Cross-province freight transportation is different. Specific place-of-supply rules apply to the transportation portion of a move entering Quebec, so an Ottawa-to-Gatineau move isn’t automatically charged 14.975% on the freight transportation component.
Revenu Québec also provides guidance for consumers using moving companies, including information about invoices and QST registration.
Which Tax Applies to an Ottawa-Gatineau Move?
The truck’s starting point is only part of the answer. For freight transportation services, the CRA generally determines the place of supply by the destination.
Planning the move itself as well? Our Gatineau moving service covers household moves to and from Gatineau, including cross-river relocations.
Ottawa to Gatineau
A household move from Ottawa to Gatineau has a Quebec destination. CRA guidance treats the freight transportation service as supplied in Quebec, so it’s subject to 5% GST rather than Ontario’s 13% HST.
CRA’s example specifically addresses a moving company transporting household effects from Ontario to Quebec. CRA GST/HST rates
QST has a separate rule. Revenu Québec says freight transported from a place in Canada outside Quebec to a place in Quebec is deemed supplied outside Quebec for QST purposes. Under the rule, the carrier therefore does not charge QST on that freight transportation service.
In some situations, a Quebec resident may need to account for the QST themselves. If you’re unsure how the rule applies to your move, confirm it with Revenu Québec. Revenu Québec freight transportation rules.
Gatineau to Ottawa
A Gatineau-to-Ottawa move has an Ontario destination. The freight transportation service is therefore subject to 13% HST under the destination-based GST/HST rule. QST does not apply to that freight transportation service simply because the belongings started in Quebec. CRA GST/HST rates
Mover’s Note: Look at the service being taxed, not just the province listed on the invoice.
What About Packing, Loading and Storage?
A moving quote can include more than transportation. Packing, loading and unloading can sometimes form part of the freight transportation service, depending on how the services are supplied.
Storage can also receive the same tax treatment when it is incidental to or part of the freight transportation service. If storage is supplied separately, its tax treatment may need to be considered on its own.
Mover’s Note: Not every charge on a moving quote necessarily follows the same tax treatment.
How Tax Changes the Moving Total
The tax rate is only part of the final price. The taxable amount and the services included in the quote also matter. For labour rates, travel time and other pricing factors before tax, see our Ottawa moving cost guide.
Tax treatment depends on which services the quote includes.
Compare the final amount, not just the tax percentage.
Ottawa-Gatineau Moving Tax at a Glance
For the freight transportation component, the treatment generally follows the destination:
| Move | Destination | Freight transportation tax |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa → Gatineau | Quebec | 5% GST |
| Gatineau → Ottawa | Ontario | 13% HST |
| Ottawa → Ottawa | Ontario | 13% HST |
| Gatineau → Gatineau | Quebec | GST + QST, where applicable |
Note: The table applies to the freight transportation component. Other services included in a moving quote may have different tax considerations.
Why Two Moving Quotes Can Show Different Tax Lines
Two moving quotes can show different tax lines even when the moves look similar. The difference may come from the route, services included, taxable amount or applicable place-of-supply rules.
For example, freight transportation destined for Quebec can be subject to 5% GST, while freight transportation destined for Ontario can be subject to 13% HST.
Compare the final total, not just the tax percentage.
Pre-tax charges + applicable tax = final amount
A quote with a lower tax rate is not automatically the cheaper option. Check what the company includes before comparing totals.
How to Read an All-In Moving Quote
Before comparing quotes, look for these five figures:
1. Pre-tax moving charge
The moving cost before any applicable tax is added.
2. What’s included
Packing, travel charges, storage, materials and other services listed in the quote.
3. Tax rate
The GST, HST or QST rate shown on the quote.
4. Tax amount
The actual dollar amount added to the pre-tax charge.
5. Final total
The amount you would actually pay.
A clear quote should let you trace the final total from the moving charge through to the applicable tax. If you want to review the rest of the estimate as well, our guide to moving estimates in Ottawa explains what to check before accepting a quote.
What to Ask Before You Book
If the tax on a moving quote isn’t clear, ask:
- Which tax applies to my move, and why?
- What amount is being taxed?
- Are packing, storage and other services included?
- Will the invoice show the pre-tax amount, tax and final total?
An itemized quote makes it easier to see how the final amount was calculated.
Tax sources reviewed: Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec
Last checked: October 2026
Tax information: Tax treatment can depend on the services supplied and how they are invoiced.
The information in this article is general guidance based on CRA and Revenu Québec rules and is not tax advice.
Get Your Ottawa-Gatineau Moving Quote
Moving from Ottawa to Gatineau or Gatineau to Ottawa? Send us your origin, destination and move details. We’ll provide a written quote showing the charges and applicable tax.
Testimonials
Hardworking, focussed and polite. What surprised me was their care and attention detail, almost as if they were moving their own possessions. Thank you for your incredible service.
Contact Us
How It Works
Quality Services and
the Highest Level of Professionalism
Contact our team
Reach out to Professional Movers Ottawa via phone or e-mail
Get a free estimate
Consult with our agents on additional services you may need
Organize your move with ease
Let us guide you through a smooth moving process
