Calculate GST, PST, and HST for all Canadian provinces and territories. Add or remove tax from any amount with current 2025 rates.
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) applies to most goods and services
Money-Saving Tip: Students and educators get 10% education discount on Apple products, saving $130 before tax. Combined with no tax on used/refurbished items from private sellers, you could save $298.87 total.
PST + GST system with different rates for different items
Vancouver Savings Tip: Buy basic groceries (0% tax) instead of prepared foods (12% tax). A family spending $600/month on groceries vs. prepared meals saves $864/year in taxes alone.
Alberta has the lowest sales tax in Canada - only GST applies
Calgary Car Buying Tip: Buy used from private seller (no GST on private sales under $30,000 in some cases). This $28,500 car would cost $29,925 in Ontario (HST 13%) vs $28,500 in Alberta - save $1,425 in taxes.
Quebec has the highest combined sales tax rate in Canada
Montreal Renovation Tip: Claim the Quebec Home Renovation Tax Credit (RénoVert) for energy-efficient upgrades. Get 20% back on eligible expenses up to $2,500 credit. This $18,252 project could qualify for $2,340 in tax credits.
Sales tax rates vary significantly across Canada. Understanding your province's tax system helps you budget accurately and find tax-saving opportunities.
| Province/Territory | Tax Type | GST | PST/HST | Total Rate | Tax on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | GST Only | 5% | 0% | 5% | $50.00 |
| British Columbia | GST + PST | 5% | 7% | 12% | $120.00 |
| Manitoba | GST + PST | 5% | 7% | 12% | $120.00 |
| New Brunswick | HST | - | 15% | 15% | $150.00 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | HST | - | 15% | 15% | $150.00 |
| Northwest Territories | GST Only | 5% | 0% | 5% | $50.00 |
| Nova Scotia | HST | - | 15% | 15% | $150.00 |
| Nunavut | GST Only | 5% | 0% | 5% | $50.00 |
| Ontario | HST | - | 13% | 13% | $130.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | HST | - | 15% | 15% | $150.00 |
| Quebec | GST + QST | 5% | 9.975% | 14.975% | $149.75 |
| Saskatchewan | GST + PST | 5% | 6% | 11% | $110.00 |
| Yukon | GST Only | 5% | 0% | 5% | $50.00 |
Alberta, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut (5%)
Only GST applies. Save $100 on every $1,000 purchase vs. highest-tax provinces.
Quebec (14.975%), Atlantic Canada (15%)
Highest combined rates. Consider tax-exempt purchases to save money.
Buy Tax-Exempt Items
Basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices have 0% tax in all provinces.
Many essential items are exempt from GST/HST/PST across Canada. Understanding these exemptions can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) combines federal and provincial taxes into a single rate, while GST + PST systems keep them separate. This affects how businesses file taxes and how refunds work.
Single tax return, streamlined system, input tax credits on business expenses simpler to claim.
Separate filings, different rules for exemptions, businesses must track two tax systems.
Yes, most international purchases are subject to Canadian sales tax, with some exceptions.
Several tax credits help offset sales tax costs for eligible households.
Up to $473 quarterly for individuals, $620 for couples, plus $161 per child. Based on family income.
Ontario: Sales Tax Credit up to $345. BC: Climate Action Tax Credit. Quebec: Solidarity Tax Credit.
Non-resident visitors can claim refunds on certain goods and accommodations.
Businesses generally don't pay sales tax on items used for business operations through Input Tax Credits (ITCs).
If you collect GST/HST on sales, you can claim credits for GST/HST paid on business expenses. This includes equipment, supplies, office rent, utilities, and some meals.
PST is generally not recoverable as an ITC. It becomes a business expense that reduces taxable income.
Smart budgeting requires accounting for sales tax on planned purchases.
Most provinces have 11-15% total tax. Budget 12% extra on taxable purchases as a simple estimate.
Track tax-exempt (groceries, medicine) vs taxable purchases separately for accurate budgeting.
For big-ticket items, calculate exact tax. Ontario residents pay $1,300 tax on a $10,000 car (13% HST).
Federal GST remains stable at 5%, but some provinces occasionally adjust rates.
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