Sales taxes in Canada


In Canada, there are two types of sales taxes levied. These are :
Every province except Alberta has implemented either a provincial sales tax or the Harmonized Sales Tax. The federal GST rate is 5 percent, effective January 1, 2008.
The territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have no territorial sales taxes, so only the GST is collected. The three northern jurisdictions are partially subsidized by the federal government, and their residents receive some additional tax concessions due to the high cost of living in the north.

Provincial sales taxes

Separate provincial sales taxes are collected in the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec. Prince Edward Island switched to a HST on April 1, 2013, on the same day that British Columbia reverted to a separate GST/PST, from a short-lived HST that was put in place in 2010 but rejected by voters in a referendum soon after. Goods to which the tax is applied vary by province, as does the rate. In all provinces where the provincial sales tax is collected, the tax is imposed on the sale price without GST. Of the provincial sales taxes, only the QST is a value-added tax.
ProvinceTypeProv. rate Total tax rate Notes
AlbertaGST05There is a 9% tax on lodging and 4% tax on hotel room fees.
British ColumbiaGST + PST712 Reverted to a separate GST/PST on April 1, 2013, with a PST of 7%, after their adoption of a HST in 2010 was rejected in a referendum.
ManitobaGST + RST712The RST was increased one point to 8% on July 1, 2013. It reverted to 7% as of July 1, 2019 and although it was planned to drop to 6% as of July 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic the province has deferred the reduction until further notice.
There is a 5% tax on lodging and 5% tax on hotel room fees.
New BrunswickHST1015The HST was increased two points to 10% with an overall tax of 15% on July 1, 2016.
Newfoundland and LabradorHST1015The HST was increased two points to 10% with an overall tax of 15% on July 1, 2016.
Northwest TerritoriesGST05
Nova ScotiaHST914Rates reduced to 14% starting Apr 1, 2025.
NunavutGST05
OntarioHST813
Prince Edward IslandHST1015The HST was increased one point to 15% on October 1, 2016.
QuebecGST + QST9.97514.975Books are taxed at 5.0%. There is an additional tax on tourist lodgings such as hotels which is usually 3.5%. This tax does not apply in Nunavik.
SaskatchewanGST + PST611The 6% rate is effective for goods and services effective March 23, 2017. Effective April 1, 2017, New Homes, restaurant meals and other prepared food and beverages are subject to PST. There is a separate 10% liquor consumption tax. PST is not applicable for any exempt business in Lloydminster.
YukonGST05

New housing rebate

Sales taxes on new or significantly renovated housing used as a primary residence may be eligible to have a portion of charged federal and provincial sales taxes rebated. New homes valued up to $450,000 may be eligible for a 36% rebate on GST charged up to a maximum of $6,300. Provincial sales tax rebate programs on new housing are offered in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. Terms and conditions vary by province.