Do I need to charge PST in BC?
Christopher Harper
Updated on March 31, 2026
Yes, you must charge PST on all taxable goods and services you sell in B.C., unless a specific exemption applies. There are no general exemptions that apply if you sell goods or services in B.C. to customers that live outside B.C. (e.g. tourists).
How does sales tax work in BC?
Sales Taxes in British Columbia British Columbia is one of the provinces in Canada that charges separate 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). Most goods and services are charged both taxes, with a number of exceptions.
What services are PST taxable in BC?
Unless a specific exemption applies, you must charge, collect and remit PST on sales or leases of goods, sales of software, sales of accommodation and sales of related services, legal services and telecommunication services in B.C. This includes sales and leases outside the ordinary course of your business, including …
Is sales tax payment an expense?
When you purchase goods and pay sales tax on those goods, you must create a journal entry. In this case, the sales tax is an expense, not a liability. Because expenses are increased through debits, debit an expense account and credit your Cash account.
Who qualifies for BC sales tax?
You’re eligible to claim the sales tax credit for a tax year if you were a resident of B.C. on December 31 of the tax year and you: Were 19 years of age or older, or. Had a spouse or common-law partner, or. Were a parent.
How much would tax be on 400 dollars?
A tax of 7.5 percent was added to the product to make it equal to 430. So, divide 7.5 by 100 to get 0.075. Divide the final amount by the value above to find the original amount before the tax was added. In this example: 430 / 1.075 = 400.
What benefits are available for low income seniors in BC?
The Senior’s Supplement ensures a conditionally guaranteed minimum income level for residents of BC and is paid to low-income residents of BC who are 65 years of age and older and who are receiving OAS/GIS or federal Allowance (formerly Spouse’s Allowance).
Do you pay PST on used cars in BC?
You must pay PST, regardless of whether the vehicle is for personal or business use, even if you are registered for PST.
How much income tax do I pay in BC?
Personal income tax brackets and rates – 2020 tax year
| Taxable Income – 2020 Brackets | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $41,725 | 5.06% |
| $41,725.01 to $83,451 | 7.70% |
| $83,451.01 to $95,812 | 10.50% |
| $95,812.01 to $116,344 | 12.29% |
What services are GST exempt in BC?
The following are examples of GST exempt goods and services:
- used residential housing; long-term residential accommodation (one month or more) and residential condominium fees.
- most health, medical, and dental services performed by licensed physicians or dentists for medical reasons.
Is freight PST exempt in BC?
You do not charge PST on delivery charges not related to the sale or lease of taxable goods, provided the goods are transported between locations within BC, or from a location in BC to outside BC (e.g. PST does not apply to charges for transporting a customer’s furniture from Victoria to Vancouver, from Kamloops to …
What isn’t taxed in Canada?
Generally speaking, essential items like food and medical supplies are not taxed. Examples of food and beverages that are zero‑rated as basic groceries include fresh, frozen, canned and vacuum sealed fruits and vegetables; breakfast cereals; most milk products; fresh meat, poultry, and fish; eggs; and coffee beans.
Do first time home buyers pay GST in BC?
If you’re buying a newly built home, you’ll need to pay HST or GST on top of the purchase price. You pay it for the same reason that you pay sales tax on almost everything else you buy. Whether you’ll pay GST or HST depends on your province, as will your final tax rate.
