Calculator for Canadian Sales Tax - GST and PST

How to Utilize the Hardbacon Canadian Sales Tax Calculator

Utilizing our calculator is an effortless task. All you need to do is input the numbers in the appropriate spaces, and let us handle the rest. No need to worry, we have thoughtfully labeled everything for your convenience. To commence, we require the following information:

The Canadian province where your purchase will take place

The type of sales tax(es) you wish to calculate

Whether you are inputting a pre-tax or after-tax amount

The monetary value of the purchase price

Pre-tax versus after-tax amounts: What significance does it hold?

If you desire to calculate the taxes on a future purchase, you will input the original purchase price. Afterwards, in the designated field titled "THE AMOUNT BELOW IS," you will select "Before taxes." The Sales Tax Calculator will utilize this data to determine the total amount after adding the relevant taxes. By doing so, you can avoid any unexpected surprises by pre-determining the genuine cost of a transaction.

The after-tax amount feature proves extremely beneficial to individuals who wish to include the cost of sales tax within their spending limits. For instance, if you only possess $100 to spend at the mall and cannot surpass that spending limit, you do not technically have $100 to allocate towards goods and services. Instead, you must ensure that the initial amount of your bill remains below $100 to accommodate taxes.

In the specified field labeled "THE AMOUNT ENTERED BELOW IS," select "After taxes" from the dropdown menu. By doing so, the Canadian Sales Tax Calculator will determine the maximum amount you can spend on goods and services without exceeding your budget once taxes are incorporated.

Once you have obtained all the necessary information, you will enter those numbers on the left side of the calculator. Each space is clearly labeled to eliminate any confusion when processing the calculations. To initiate the process:

In the field labeled "PROVINCE," input the Canadian province where the transaction will occur

In the field designated "INCLUDE ALL SALES TAXES?" choose "Yes" if you want to calculate both provincial and federal sales tax, or select the specific tax you wish to calculate

In the space labeled "AMOUNT ENTERED BELOW IS," utilize the dropdown menu to indicate whether the amount you are inputting is "Before tax" or "After tax."

In the field marked "AMOUNT," enter the monetary value of the purchase price

Calculating sales tax: Why are there three options?

The Canadian Sales Tax Calculator offers three options for computing sales tax: goods and services tax (GST), provincial sales tax (PST), or all. So why are there three options? Across Canada, there exist certain goods and services that are exempt from GST. This indicates that you do not have to pay GST on specific items as outlined by the Government of Canada, regardless of your location.

Furthermore, certain provinces and territories have chosen not to impose provincial sales tax on particular items. Depending on your province, certain items such as books or children's items might be exempt from provincial sales tax. This inclusion allows for an accurate calculation of sales tax on tax-exempt items within your province.

Understanding the Results of the Canadian Sales Tax Calculator

After you have finished inputting the numbers on the left side of the Hardbacon Sales Tax Calculator, you will discover the results on the right side. Here, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of all the factors involved in your transaction that impact the final after-tax amount:

Amount before taxes: This represents the total of your transaction, based on the information you provided. It is the net or subtotal that does not yet incorporate the cost of sales tax.

GST (%): Based on the transaction amount provided, this represents the exact dollar value of the federal GST sales tax that has been paid. Additionally, it signifies the rate of the sales tax in percentage form relative to the transaction amount.

PST (%): Based on the transaction amount provided and the province in which the transaction occurred, this reflects the precise dollar amount of the PST that has been paid. It also denotes the sales tax rate applicable to that particular province, expressed as a percentage of the transaction amount.

Total sales taxes (%): Computed from the transaction amount entered and the specific province of the transaction, this denotes the total monetary value of the combined sales tax (GST and PST) that one will pay. Both taxes are aggregated, and the resulting sum is expressed as a percentage of the transaction amount.

Amount after taxes: Derived from the transaction amount entered and the province in which it took place, this signifies the complete amount that must be paid after the inclusion of both GST and PST. Alternatively referred to as the after-tax amount.

Explore further regarding the inputs of the Canadian Sales Tax calculator

When engaging in a purchase, the amount displayed on the price tag does not entirely reflect the sum you will ultimately pay at the point of sale. Canadians are subjected to sales tax for almost every item they buy, with some exceptions where certain products are exempt. Moreover, there exist distinct types of sales tax, and the rates may differ based on the province. Below is an extensive overview of all crucial details surrounding sales tax in Canada. Let's delve into it.

Canadian sales tax varying by province: importance of location

PST serves as a consumption tax that is contingent upon the province or territory where the transaction occurs. This tax applies to goods and services purchased. In the case of residents of Québec, the provincial sales tax is dubbed the Québec sales tax (QST). However, the rate of provincial sales tax varies from one province to another. This divergence arises from the authoritative power granted to each province to determine whether to impose a sales tax and the specific rate at which it will be imposed. While all provinces have the obligation to enforce federal GST, the application of provincial sales tax remains discretionary.

Consequently, the location of the transaction is of paramount importance; the place where the purchase is made directly influences the total amount to be paid after taxes. Provinces with higher PST rates such as Québec and the Maritimes will result in a more expensive purchase. Conversely, provinces with lower PST rates will yield a less expensive overall after-tax cost for an identical item at the same price point.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

The Goods and Services Tax represents a federal consumption tax applicable to most goods and services purchased within Canada. From an economic perspective, Canada comprises producers and consumers. Producers sell while consumers buy. Thus, a tax is imposed on the consumer's end, specifically on the items they acquire. GST is implemented by the federal government of Canada to contribute towards covering the country's operational expenses. It is the responsibility of merchants to collect GST during the point of sale and subsequently remit these funds to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Due to its federal nature, GST is consistently levied across Canada for all non-exempt goods and services, regardless of the province or territory in which the purchase occurs. Presently, the GST rate stands at 5%. What does this imply? Let's examine an example:

Heidi resides in Manitoba and intends to purchase a new SmartTV. Utilizing the Shopping feature on her Google search bar, she discovers that Costco offers the best deal at $1,498.00. Nonetheless, when Heidi proceeds to the checkout counter, she learns that she must pay $1,572.90. Why? The answer lies in the implementation of GST. The computation unfolds as follows:

The amount of tax is calculated by multiplying the purchase price with the sales tax rate.

The after-tax total is obtained by adding the dollar amount of tax to the purchase price.

Manitoba

GST rate

5%

SmartTV

$1,498

Tax ($)

.90

After tax total

$1,572.90

When Heidi purchases the SmartTV from Costco, she is obligated to pay the GST on her transaction. The calculation involves determining 5% of the original purchase price and including it in the final bill. Consequently, the total amount of her transaction is $1,572.90. It is important to note that the tax rate of 5% for the GST is consistent across all provinces and territories in Canada.

During her visit to Ontario to meet her family, Heidi discovers that Walmart offers the same TV at a more favorable price compared to Costco back in Manitoba. Naturally, her final bill is lower due to the reduced cost of the TV. Despite this, the 5% GST rate remains applicable in both Ontario and Manitoba. Therefore, regardless of the province or territory she is in, she must remit 5% of the transaction cost as GST.

Provincial sales tax (PST)

Each province and territory has distinct financial requirements and responsibilities. Consequently, they independently determine the amount of sales tax to collect in order to finance their obligations and provide essential services to the population.

For instance, the Maritime provinces carry the highest provincial sales tax rate in Canada, standing at 10% in each province. This is primarily due to factors such as a diminishing labor force, rising healthcare costs, modest economies, and outstanding debts. Conversely, Alberta does not impose a provincial sales tax. This is largely attributable to its historically robust oil and gas sector, which is the largest industry in Alberta. Additionally, Alberta boasts a larger labor market and lower debt levels.

As provincial sales tax is established by provinces and territories rather than the federal government, the tax rate differs based on the location of the transaction. Consequently, if Heidi intends to purchase a SmartTV and it is priced the same in both Manitoba and New Brunswick, it would cost her more to buy it in New Brunswick. This is because the PST rate in New Brunswick is 10%, whereas it is only 7% in Manitoba. Let's examine the calculations:

Comparing provincial sales tax rates: New Brunswick vs Manitoba

New Brunswick

Manitoba

PST rate

10%

7%

SmartTV

$1,498

$1,498

Tax ($)

$149.80

$104.86

After tax total

$1,648

$1,603

What is the overall sales tax in Canada?

Total sales tax refers to the cumulative sum of both the goods and services tax (GST) and provincial sales tax (PST), which are added to your bill at the time of purchase. It represents the total amount of money paid in applicable taxes and is also expressed as a percentage of the original purchase price.

In the great land of Canada, there exists only one province and two territories that refrain from imposing any provincial sales tax on their citizens. The remaining provinces of this fair nation, however, are subject to both the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as well as the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on the majority of their purchases. It is important to note that these taxes have the potential to accumulate swiftly, greatly affecting one's budget if not approached with caution. To paint a clearer picture, let's analyze a concrete example involving Heidi and her SmartTV.

Our protagonist, Heidi, recently acquired a brand-new SmartTV from Costco located in the province of Manitoba. The price tag on this television stood at a solid $1,498. The GST rate in Manitoba amounts to 5%, while the PST rate reaches 7%. Now, let us determine the total amount of tax paid by Heidi.

Province: Manitoba

GST Tax Rate: 5%

PST Tax Rate: 7%

Overall Tax Rate: 12%

SmartTV Price: $1,498

Tax Incurred: $179.96

Final After-Tax Total: $1,678

Filled with utmost glee over her newfound treasure, Heidi proceeded to share the joyous news with her dear confidante, Deborah, residing in the province of New Brunswick. Deeply influenced by Heidi's positive revelation, Deborah decided to follow in her friend's footsteps and purchase the exact same SmartTV. To Deborah's delight, the listed price of the television at her local Costco mirrored that of Heidi's, standing firm at $1,498. Now let us examine the financial implications of Deborah's purchase.

Province: New Brunswick

GST Tax Rate: 5%

PST Tax Rate: 10%

Overall Tax Rate: 15%

SmartTV Price: $1,498

Tax Incurred: $224.70

Final After-Tax Total: $1,723

Observing the example set before us, it becomes evident that despite the identical price of the SmartTV in both provinces, the higher PST rate applicable in New Brunswick imposed an additional burden of $45 in taxes upon poor Deborah. Consequently, her purchase of the same item, at the same price, ultimately proved to be comparatively more expensive than Heidi's.

Now, let us delve into the matter of total sales tax versus the harmonized sales tax (HST), ensuring we distinguish between the two. But fear not, for the harmonized sales tax is not an additional levy with which you must familiarize yourself. In certain Canadian provinces, the GST and PST have been amalgamated into a singular tax rate, aptly referred to as the harmonized sales tax. Given the similarity of the names, one may question the disparity between the two.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that the total sales tax does not represent a tax rate in itself, but rather encompasses the cumulative sum of all sales taxes collected during a particular transaction. This differs from the individual sales tax rates for both the GST and PST. It serves as a mere calculation that unveils the precise amount of the final total designated for tax, juxtaposed against the original purchase price of the goods.

Certain provinces in Canada have embraced the harmonized sales tax model, wherein the GST is skillfully melded with the PST, giving rise to a solitary sales tax that holds a higher rate, known as the HST. Visualize this consolidation as similar to bundling two distinct services, such as cable and internet, into one cohesive invoice. Although these services bear different costs in their individuality, they are collected as a unified sum.

And thus, we navigate the intricate realms of Canadian sales taxes, armed with a renewed perspective and comprehension of their implications.

In the event that you acquire a product or service from a province that does not utilize HST, your receipt will display two categorized tax lines: one identified as GST, and the other as PST. Each line will indicate the corresponding tax rate and the monetary value added to your bill. However, if you purchase a product or service in a province that implements HST, your receipt will only exhibit a single categorized tax line labeled HST, which will solely disclose one tax rate and the amount of tax added to the bill.

With HST, merchants are responsible for collecting a unified tax and remitting it to the Canada Revenue Agency. After receiving these funds, the CRA retains the GST, which represents the federal component of the HST, and sends the provincial sales tax portion back to the respective province. This procedure may appear somewhat intricate. Why not allow merchants to collect the taxes separately and solely transmit the GST to the CRA?

The collection, recording, and remittance of sales tax to both provincial and federal entities can be a burdensome and costly process for merchants. In an attempt to streamline and reduce expenses associated with this undertaking, the Canadian Government proposed the implementation of a nationwide harmonized sales tax. This initiative would transfer the administrative responsibilities to the Canadian Revenue Agency, with the expectation that the new HST would alleviate bookkeeping expenses for businesses. Consequently, these businesses would then pass on the resulting savings to consumers.

At present, Canada does not possess a cohesive, nationwide HST. The government offers the option for provinces to adopt the HST, and only five Canadian provinces have chosen to do so. These provinces are:

• Newfoundland
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Ontario

The remaining provinces and territories have either opted to maintain their provincial and federal sales taxes separately or have entirely exempted themselves from charging a provincial sales tax.

What happens if I purchase something in another province?

When it pertains to acquiring goods and services in different provinces, the calculation of sales tax can become quite intricate, primarily from the perspective of merchants. If you are within the same province as the merchant, you will be subject to the sales tax rate of that particular province or territory. However, if you find yourself in one province and purchase a product or service from a merchant located in a different province, you will be obligated to pay the sales tax rate of the province or territory where the transaction or product delivery takes place. Allow me to present an example:

Heidi resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and desires to purchase a new SmartTV. She travels to her local Costco, conveniently located just a few minutes away. She proceeds to buy the television and transports it home. In this scenario, Heidi will encounter the Manitoba PST rate of 7%.

Once Heidi arrives home, she discovers that the same television is available online at an Alberta-based store for a price lower than what she paid at her local Winnipeg store. Alberta does not implement a provincial sales tax. Nevertheless, Heidi is unable to take advantage of this circumstance. If she were to purchase the same television online from the Alberta store and have it shipped to her Manitoba home address, she would still need to pay the 7% Manitoba PST rate.

As a consumer, you need not fret about applying the appropriate PST rate when engaging in online shopping. It is the merchant's responsibility to utilize the correct tax rate based on the consumer's location (or the destination address if it involves a physical product). However, there exists a notable exception to this rule. If you happen to purchase a car outside of your home province, you will be required to pay the PST rate applicable to your place of residence. Please note that when purchasing a vehicle from another province and driving it home, special paperwork is necessary. For further information on motor vehicles and sales tax, you may visit the Government of Canada website.

The product-destination rule generally applies to online sales. Should you be a tourist, visiting relatives in a different province, or merely passing through, you can make in-person purchases in other provinces without having to worry about the implications of sales tax. Consequently, if Heidi were to visit friends in Alberta or pass through the province on her way to British Columbia, any purchases she makes in Alberta would only be subject to the sales taxes applicable to Alberta. The same principle would apply to any transactions she engages in while in British Columbia. Therefore, if she were to visit a Costco in Alberta to purchase a new TV, she would not be obligated to pay any provincial sales tax. In this case, she can rest assured, knowing that she is in complete compliance with tax regulations.

Exemptions from Canadian Sales Tax: A Closer Look

After hearing so much about sales taxes, you might be under the impression that Canada is an expensive place to shop. Fortunately, not everything you purchase in Canada is subject to sales tax. In fact, there are a few provinces and territories that do not impose any provincial sales tax whatsoever. These regions include:

• Alberta
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• Yukon

Moreover, certain goods and services are exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is applicable across the entire country regardless of your location. Curious to know what falls under this exemption? Let's explore:

• Essential grocery items like bread, milk, and produce
• Childcare services, including daycare fees and before/after programs
• Educational expenses such as tuition fees
• The majority of healthcare services, like dental and medical treatments
• Various medical devices including hearing aids, prescription eyeglasses, and dentures
• Prescription medications along with dispensing fees
• Residential rent, including university dormitories and boarding schools
• Local public transportation options like city buses or ferries
• Most everyday banking services
• Legal assistance in the form of legal aid services

Are there other exemptions from sales tax?

If you happen to be a parent residing in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, we have some great news for you. These four provinces offer special sales tax exemptions for qualified children's items. In fact, if you're a resident of Québec, there are even more tax-exempt goods available specifically for you.

The following items are exempt from sales tax in the respective provinces:

Québec

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

• Diapers
• Training pants
• Supplies for breastfeeding
• Breast pumps
• Bottles
• Books
• Disposable bottle liners
• Most forms of childcare
• City recreational programs for children under 14
• Various educational services

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Diapers
• Car seats
• Booster seats

Raising children can be quite costly, so a tax exemption on children's items can greatly assist Canadian parents in affording the essentials. However, it's important to note that certain conditions apply. For more detailed information about eligible children's items exempt from tax, please visit the Government of Canada website.

If you're a resident of Québec, there are additional goods and services that are exempt from the Quebec Sales Tax (QST). For further details on tax-exempt items in Quebec, please refer to the Revenu Québec website.