British columbia sales tax calculator

This estimate is for informational purposes only. This tool provides a rough estimate and is not a substitute for the advice of an accountant. For advice tailored to your situation, Bankeo will find you the ideal accountant for free, with no obligation.

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How it works

STEP 1

Enter your amount

Enter the subtotal or the total including tax, and specify whether tax is already included.

STEP 2

The calculation is in progress

The calculator automatically applies British Columbia’s 2026 rates: the 5% federal GST and the 7% provincial PST, for a total of 12%. You can also select another province or territory from the list above.

STEP 3

Get the details

View the subtotal, GST, PST, and total including taxes, ready to use for your invoicing in British Columbia.

Understanding sales taxes

In British Columbia, two separate taxes are added to the price of most goods and services: the 5% federal GST and the 7% BC PST (provincial sales tax), for a total of 12%. These are not harmonized taxes like Ontario’s HST: the PST is administered separately by the British Columbia Ministry of Finance and applies alongside the GST. The calculator above applies these 2026 rates by default and allows you to select another Canadian jurisdiction if needed. Understanding how it works is essential for accurate billing.

How are the GST and PST calculated in B.C.?

In British Columbia, the 5% GST and the 7% PST are each calculated on the pre-tax subtotal and then added to the final price: On a $100 purchase, you add $5 in GST and $7 in PST, for a total of $112. Both taxes are applied to the same pre-tax subtotal, not on top of each other. The calculator uses the exact rates and applies them automatically, which prevents rounding errors in your invoicing.

Can you claim a PST refund just like a GST refund?

This is the key difference in British Columbia. The GST is a value-added tax: a registered business recovers the GST paid on its business purchases through ITCs. The PST, on the other hand, is not a value-added tax: you generally cannot recover the PST paid on purchases, except for specific exemptions provided by the province. The PST paid therefore often becomes a real cost for the business, one that an accountant can help you optimize.

What the calculator supports

ItemWhat the tool displays
Country and JurisdictionBritish Columbia by default (GST 5% + PST 7%), with a choice of the other 12 provinces and territories
Applicable Rates5% GST + 7% PST = 12% in BC (2026 rates), or the rate for the selected jurisdiction
Calculate Total Including TaxesSubtotal, tax(es), and total calculated automatically
Convert from tax-inclusive to tax-exclusiveReverse calculation based on a total amount including tax
Cases with Multiple RatesFederal GST and provincial PST are calculated on the same subtotal and then added together
Update2026 Rates: 5% GST and 7% PST for British Columbia

The exact rates are displayed in the tools based on the selected country and jurisdiction. Official sources by country (national and local tax authorities), rates effective in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What tax rates apply in British Columbia?

In British Columbia, two separate taxes apply: the federal GST of 5% and the B.C. PST (provincial sales tax) of 7%, for a total of 12%. These are not harmonized taxes: the GST is administered separately by the province, alongside the PST. The calculator applies these 2026 rates by default and also allows you to select another province or territory. Certain categories of goods may be taxed differently or be exempt.

How do you subtract taxes from a tax-inclusive amount?

Enter your total amount (including tax) and specify that tax is already included: the tool calculates the subtotal excluding tax by dividing by the combined rate of 12% (in BC), then breaks down the 5% GST and 7% PST separately. Our calculator performs these calculations automatically, saving you the trouble of doing them by hand.

Who is required to collect the GST and PST in B.C.?

In British Columbia, the GST and PST are administered by two separate agencies. The GST is collected and remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), while the PST is collected and remitted to the B.C. Ministry of Finance. Once registered, a business charges both taxes to its customers, files separate periodic returns, and remits each tax to the appropriate government agency. An accountant can confirm your obligations based on your business activities.

At what threshold does registration become mandatory?

For the GST, registration becomes mandatory as soon as taxable sales exceed $30,000 over four consecutive quarters (below this threshold, the business is considered a small supplier). British Columbia’s PST has its own registration rules, separate from this threshold: most businesses that sell or lease taxable goods in B.C. must register with the province. Voluntary GST registration remains an option to claim back tax paid on purchases.

Can you get a refund for the tax paid on purchases?

It depends on the tax. The GST is a value-added tax: a registered business deducts the GST paid on its business expenses through input tax credits (ITCs), then remits the difference to the CRA. British Columbia’s PST, on the other hand, is not a value-added tax: you generally cannot recover the PST paid on purchases, except in specific cases where exemptions apply. The PST paid therefore often becomes an actual cost for the business.

How does Bankeo help me find an accountant for my taxes?

Bankeo helps entrepreneurs find the ideal accountant specializing in GST, PST, tax returns, and bookkeeping in British Columbia. The service is free for entrepreneurs. Our team understands your situation, your industry, and your needs, then connects you with vetted accountants who can manage your tax returns and tax strategy, and continues to support you along the way.

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