๐จ๐ฆ Canada Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate GST, HST, PST, and QST for all Canadian provinces and territories - Updated 2025
How to Calculate Canadian Sales Tax
Canada uses three different types of sales taxes depending on the province or territory. Understanding which type applies to your purchase is essential for accurate tax calculation.
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
GST is a federal tax of 5% that applies across all of Canada. In some provinces, GST is charged alone, while in others it combines with provincial taxes.
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax)
HST combines federal GST with provincial sales tax into a single rate. Five provinces use HST: Ontario (13%), New Brunswick (15%), Newfoundland and Labrador (15%), Nova Scotia (14%), and Prince Edward Island (15%).
PST/QST (Provincial Sales Tax / Quebec Sales Tax)
PST is a provincial tax charged in addition to GST in British Columbia (7%), Saskatchewan (6%), and Manitoba (7%). Quebec uses QST (Quebec Sales Tax) at 9.975%.
Example (Ontario with 13% HST): If you purchase an item for $100:
HST = $100 ร (13 รท 100) = $13.00
Total Price = $100 + $13.00 = $113.00
Example (British Columbia with 5% GST + 7% PST): If you purchase an item for $100:
GST = $100 ร 0.05 = $5.00
PST = $100 ร 0.07 = $7.00
Total Tax = $5.00 + $7.00 = $12.00
Total Price = $100 + $12.00 = $112.00
Canadian Sales Tax Rates by Province and Territory (2025)
The following table provides a complete breakdown of sales tax rates across all Canadian provinces and territories, including the type of tax system and combined rates.
| Province/Territory | Tax Type | GST | PST/QST | HST | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | GST Only | 5% | โ | โ | 5% |
| British Columbia | GST + PST | 5% | 7% | โ | 12% |
| Manitoba | GST + RST | 5% | 7% | โ | 12% |
| New Brunswick | HST | โ | โ | 15% | 15% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | HST | โ | โ | 15% | 15% |
| Northwest Territories | GST Only | 5% | โ | โ | 5% |
| Nova Scotia | HST | โ | โ | 14% | 14% |
| Nunavut | GST Only | 5% | โ | โ | 5% |
| Ontario | HST | โ | โ | 13% | 13% |
| Prince Edward Island | HST | โ | โ | 15% | 15% |
| Quebec | GST + QST | 5% | 9.975% | โ | 14.975% |
| Saskatchewan | GST + PST | 5% | 6% | โ | 11% |
| Yukon | GST Only | 5% | โ | โ | 5% |
Understanding Canada's Three Tax Systems
GST-Only Provinces and Territories
Applies to: Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon
These jurisdictions charge only the 5% federal GST with no additional provincial sales tax. Alberta is the only province without provincial sales tax, making it unique among Canadian provinces. The three territories also maintain this simple GST-only structure.
HST Provinces
Applies to: Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
HST is a single, blended tax that combines federal and provincial components. Businesses collect one tax and remit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which then distributes the provincial portion to the respective province. The federal portion of HST is always 5%, with the provincial portion varying by province.
HST Rates:
โข Ontario: 13% (5% federal + 8% provincial)
โข New Brunswick: 15% (5% federal + 10% provincial)
โข Newfoundland and Labrador: 15% (5% federal + 10% provincial)
โข Nova Scotia: 14% (5% federal + 9% provincial) - Reduced from 15% on April 1, 2025
โข Prince Edward Island: 15% (5% federal + 10% provincial)
GST + PST/QST Provinces
Applies to: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec
These provinces charge both federal GST (5%) and a separate provincial sales tax. In Quebec, the provincial tax is called QST (Quebec Sales Tax) rather than PST. Unlike HST, these are two distinct taxes collected and remitted separately.
Combined Rates:
โข British Columbia: 12% (5% GST + 7% PST)
โข Saskatchewan: 11% (5% GST + 6% PST)
โข Manitoba: 12% (5% GST + 7% RST, called Retail Sales Tax)
โข Quebec: 14.975% (5% GST + 9.975% QST)
Important Differences: HST vs. GST + PST
Administration: HST is administered federally by the CRA as a single tax, while GST and PST are separate taxes administered by different authorities.
Input Tax Credits: Businesses can claim input tax credits for the full HST paid on business expenses. With PST, input tax credits are limited or not available, making PST a real business cost.
Registration: HST requires only federal registration, while PST provinces require separate provincial registration for businesses operating there.
Tax Exemptions and Special Cases
Common GST/HST Exemptions
Certain goods and services are exempt or zero-rated for GST/HST purposes:
Zero-Rated Supplies (0% tax but eligible for input tax credits):
โข Most basic groceries (unprepared foods)
โข Prescription drugs and certain medical devices
โข Exports outside Canada
โข Agricultural and fishing products
Exempt Supplies (no tax and no input tax credits):
โข Most healthcare services
โข Educational services (tuition, courses)
โข Most financial services
โข Long-term residential rent
โข Child care services
PST Exemptions Vary by Province
Each province with PST has its own exemption rules. Common PST exemptions include:
โข Children's clothing (in some provinces)
โข Books and magazines
โข Bicycles
โข Restaurant meals under certain amounts
โข Production equipment for manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Official Canadian Government Sources & References
All sales tax data is sourced from official Canadian government agencies and trusted financial authorities:
๐๏ธ Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - Official Federal Tax Authority ๐ CRA - GST/HST Rates and Charge/Collect Guidelines ๐งฎ CRA - Official GST/HST Calculator ๐ Retail Council of Canada - Sales Tax Rates by Province ๐ TaxTips.ca - 2025 Sales Tax Rates Database ๐ Government of Canada - Taxes Portal