Bottom Line : Quebec contest registration isn't really so confusing. Once you have it in a nice chart.
We get so many questions about Quebec contest registrations that we thought we'd just lay out the timing for you in a simple chart. Most of you have contests that give away far more than $2,000 worth of prizes, so if that's the case, you can just look at the far right column.
As to the timing, yes, the Registration Form (Publicity Contest Notice), and duty (tax) payable are due at least 30 days before the contest is first advertised. But raise your hand if you ever manage to file on time. Not seeing a lot of hands.
While the Régie des alcools des courses et des jeux ("Régie") hasn't been looking to throw late filers in jail, you may be looking at interest charges in some cases.
As a refresher, then, here are the deadlines to keep in mind:
For another tip on a changed Régie policy, we used to say in contest rules that a draw would occur "on or about" a certain date, just in case it didn't come off when planned for some reason. The Régie no longer feels that's specific enough to comply with the Rules Respecting Publicity Contests. So you'll need to go out on a limb and name an unqualified date.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
