GST/PST Sales Tax Calculator 2026 - British Columbia

Calculate your total sales tax in British Columbia instantly. Our 2026 calculator automatically combines the 5% federal GST and the 7% provincial PST for a standard rate of 12%. Enter an amount below, or use the reverse calculator to find the original price from a tax-included receipt.

Amount
$
GST rate
%
PST rate
%
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) manages the 5% GST, while the BC Ministry of Finance is responsible for the administration and collection of the 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Before-tax amount
$
GST amount
$
PST amount
$
After-tax total
$
Sales tax by province
Province / territory After-tax total
Need to calculate with another province?

How the British Columbia Sales Tax Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the sales tax breakdown for purchases in British Columbia. Enter a before-tax amount (default) or switch to tax-included to reverse-calculate the subtotal.

  • Standard calculation: Enter your before-tax amount. Whether you are shopping in Vancouver, Victoria, or Kelowna, the calculator applies the 5% GST and the 7% PST to show each tax amount and your final total cost.
  • Reverse calculation (tax included): Turn on “Amount includes tax?”. Enter the final total from your BC receipt, and the tool works backward to separate the base price from the federal and provincial portions.

Understanding GST and PST in British Columbia

The 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is charged on the purchase price before GST. Note that PST rules are complex: while some items like bicycles are exempt to promote green transit, others like liquor or luxury goods are taxed at higher rates.

Retail stores in BC display prices before tax. Because the PST and GST are calculated on the base price, you should expect a 12% increase at checkout for most goods. To determine the original price from a tax-inclusive total, use our reverse calculator division method.

Rates 2026

This table provides an overview of Canada’s sales tax rates for 2026, broken down by province and territory. It shows how the GST combines with provincial taxes - including HST, PST, and QST - to determine the total sales tax rate applied to purchases across Canada.

The Total column reflects the combined tax rate consumers typically pay at checkout, helping individuals and businesses quickly estimate the final cost of goods and services depending on location.

In BC, the PST is calculated separately from the GST and is not compounded. While the standard rate is 12%, specific items like luxury cars can trigger significantly higher provincial rates.

Province / territory GST / HST PST QST Total
Alberta (AB) 5% 0% - 5%
British Columbia (BC) 5% 7% - 12%
Manitoba (MB) 5% 7% - 12%
New Brunswick (NB) 15% - - 15%
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) 15% - - 15%
Nova Scotia (NS) 14% - - 14%
Northwest Territories (NT) 5% 0% - 5%
Nunavut (NU) 5% 0% - 5%
Ontario (ON) 13% - - 13%
Prince Edward Island (PE) 15% - - 15%
Quebec (QC) 5% - 9.975% 14.975%
Saskatchewan (SK) 5% 6% - 11%
Yukon (YT) 5% 0% - 5%
⚠️ Rates shown are based on the most commonly applied public tax rates and may vary for certain goods, services, or tax-exempt situations.

How to calculate sales tax in British Columbia (before tax and tax included)

The exact calculation formula in British Columbia is: Total = Amount × 1.12. To reverse-calculate and find the pre-tax price from a receipt, simply divide the total amount paid by 1.12.

Total including tax = Before-tax amount × (1 + 12%)
Before-tax amount = Total including tax ÷ (1 + 12%)

Rules & Exemptions

  • Children’s clothing and footwear, as well as bicycles (including electric), are exempt from the 7% PST.
  • Restaurant meals are only subject to the 5% GST (no PST).
  • Luxury vehicles (over $55,000) trigger a progressive PST scale ranging from 8% up to 20% depending on the value.

FAQ - BC 2026

Why is there no PST on my restaurant bill?

In BC, restaurant meals are exempt from the 7% PST. You only pay the 5% Federal GST on dining out.

How much tax do I pay on a used car?

Private sales of used vehicles are subject to 12% tax (exempt from GST but subject to 12% PST) based on the greater of the sale price or the wholesale value.

Is software or Netflix taxed in BC?

Yes, digital software and streaming services are subject to the 7% PST.