Canadian GST/QST — Smart Financial Analysis
In Quebec, you pay 14.975% sales tax. In Alberta, just 5%. The same $50,000 car costs $2,500-$7,500 more in tax depending on WHERE in Canada you buy it.
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The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Canada is 5%, applied nationwide. QST (Quebec Sales Tax) is Quebec's provincial tax at 9.975%. GST (5%) is the federal tax. The GST/HST credit is a quarterly payment for low-to-moderate income Canadians.
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Why: The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Canada is 5%, applied nationwide. In HST provinces (Ontario, Atlantic), GST is combined into a single Harmonized Sales Tax. In GST-on...
How: Enter Purchase Amount ($ CAD), Province / Territory, Item Type to get instant results. Try the preset examples to see how different scenarios affect the outcome, then adjust to match your situation.
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GST/HST Credit Eligibility
If you qualify (low-to-moderate income), you may receive up to $496/year (single) or $650 (couple) via quarterly GST/HST credit. Family of 4: up to $608. File your tax return to claim.
Tax Rate by Province
GST vs PST/HST Breakdown
Total Tax on $100 Purchase
GST Credit by Income
Step-by-Step Calculation
Ontario: 13% HST
Taxable amount:
HST:
$1,499.00 × 13%Total tax:
$0.00 + $194.87Total with tax:
$1,499.00 + $194.87Effective rate:
🤖 AI Analysis
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Tax Calculation Complete
13.00% effective rate in Ontario. Total: $1,693.87
For educational purposes only — not financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions.
💡 Money Facts
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Canada's Consumption Tax System
Canada's consumption tax system has 3 structures: GST-only provinces (Alberta, 5%), HST provinces (Ontario 13%, Atlantic provinces 15%), and GST + PST provinces (BC 5%+7%, Quebec 5%+9.975%). GST at 5% is federal; provincial portions vary from 0% (Alberta) to 10% (PEI/NB/NL/NS). Quebec's QST (9.975%) is administered separately by Revenu Québec. Canada's total sales tax ranges from 5-15% — lower than most European VAT rates (20%+). The GST/HST credit provides up to $496/adult + $171/child quarterly to offset sales tax on low-income families.
Key Stats
GST vs HST vs PST vs QST
GST (5%) is federal and applies everywhere except where HST replaces it. HST combines federal and provincial in Ontario (13%), NB, NL, NS, PEI (15%). PST is provincial-only in BC (7%), SK (6%), MB (7%). QST is Quebec's unique 9.975% tax calculated on the GST-inclusive amount — tax on tax.
GST/HST Credit
Low-to-moderate income Canadians receive quarterly GST/HST credit payments. Single adults: up to $496/year. Couples: up to $650. Families of 4: up to $608. File your tax return to receive it. Eligibility phases out as income increases.
Zero-Rated and Exempt Items
- Zero-rated: basic groceries, prescription drugs, most agricultural products, exports
- Exempt: medical services, childcare, financial services, used residential housing
- Taxable: prepared food, restaurant meals, clothing, electronics, most goods
Sales Tax by Province
| Province | GST | PST/HST/QST | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5% | — | 5% |
| Ontario | — | 13% HST | 13% |
| Quebec | 5% | 9.975% QST | 14.975% |
| British Columbia | 5% | 7% PST | 12% |
| Saskatchewan | 5% | 6% PST | 11% |
| Nova Scotia | — | 15% HST | 15% |
Input Tax Credits for Businesses
Registered businesses can claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) for GST/HST paid on business purchases. This reduces net tax payable. Small suppliers under $30,000 annual revenue are exempt from registration. Once you exceed $30,000 in four consecutive quarters, you must register within 29 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canadian GST rate?
The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Canada is 5%, applied nationwide. In HST provinces (Ontario, Atlantic), GST is combined into a single Harmonized Sales Tax. In GST-only provinces like Alberta, only the 5% federal rate applies.
What is QST and how does Quebec sales tax work?
QST (Quebec Sales Tax) is Quebec's provincial tax at 9.975%. Unlike other provinces, QST is calculated on the price AFTER GST is added (tax-on-tax). A $100 item: GST = $5, QST = $105 × 9.975% = $10.47, Total = $115.47 (14.975% effective combined rate).
What is the difference between GST and HST?
GST (5%) is the federal tax. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) combines federal and provincial tax into one rate: Ontario 13%, Atlantic provinces 15%. In HST provinces you pay one combined rate; in GST+PST provinces you see GST and PST separately.
What is the GST/HST credit and who qualifies?
The GST/HST credit is a quarterly payment for low-to-moderate income Canadians. Single adults can receive up to $496/year; couples up to $650; families of 4 up to $608. You must file a tax return to receive it. Eligibility is based on family net income.
What is PST by province in Canada?
PST (Provincial Sales Tax) varies: BC 7%, Manitoba 7%, Saskatchewan 6%. Alberta, NWT, Nunavut, and Yukon have no provincial sales tax (GST only at 5%). HST provinces (ON, NB, NL, NS, PEI) have no separate PST — it's combined into HST.
What items are exempt from GST in Canada?
Zero-rated: basic groceries, prescription drugs, most agricultural products, exports. Exempt: medical services, childcare, financial services, used residential housing. Prepared food, restaurant meals, and most goods are taxable at 5% GST plus provincial tax where applicable.
Sources
- CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
- Revenu Québec
- Finance Canada
- Tax Foundation
Disclaimer
This calculator is for estimation purposes only. Tax rates and rules change. Verify your exact rate with the CRA, Revenu Québec, or a tax professional. We are not responsible for any tax decisions made based on this tool.
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