Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Indian fuel tax exemption program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

You can register for the Nova Scotia Indian Fuel Tax Exemption Program to buy fuel exempt from provincial fuel tax at registered service stations on reserves. You need to have status under the Indian Act and a Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence to register. There is no cost to register.

You need to have status under the Indian Act and a Nova Scotia Driver’s License to register in the program. You don’t need to live on a reserve to register.

Your registration is valid as long as you have a Nova Scotia Driver’s License. You use your Driver’s License to get the provincial fuel tax off your fuel purchases. You can swipe, scan or key in your license master number into the terminal at registered service stations on reserves, and the provincial fuel tax will be taken off the sale.

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence master number
  • Certificate of Indian Status card
  • Band membership clerk available to sign the application

Photo ID

For example:

  • driver’s license
  • passport
  • other government-issued photo ID, such as a non-driver photo ID (Saskatchewan), British Columbia Services Card, Ontario photo card, General identification card (Nunavut), Voluntary ID (PEI), etc.

Certificate of Indian Status

A document showing that you are registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. For example, a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) or a Certificate of Indian Status (status card).

To register for the Nova Scotia Indian Fuel Tax Exemption Program complete these steps:

  1. Complete the registration application form.
  2. Take your application, Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence and Certificate of Indian Status card to the Band Office.
  3. The Band membership clerk certifies your application.
  4. Send your certified application by mail or fax.
  5. The Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services lets you know if your application is approved and registers you in the Nova Scotia Indian Fuel Tax Exemption Program.
  6. Once your application is approved, you can swipe, scan or key in your licence master number into the terminal at registered service stations on reserves to avoid paying the provincial fuel tax.

It should take 1 to 2 weeks to get registered in the program. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.

Last updated: May 11, 2021