How the Nunavut Sales Tax Calculator Works
This calculator applies only the 5% federal GST to Nunavut purchases. With no territorial sales tax, this is the simplest tax calculation of any Canadian jurisdiction: one rate, one tax line, one authority. Enter any amount to see the exact GST owing.
- Standard calculation: Enter the before-tax amount. Whether you are shopping in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or ordering online, the calculator will only add the 5% federal GST to show your final cost.
- Reverse calculation (tax included): Turn on “Amount includes tax?”. Enter the total you paid, and the calculator works backward to cleanly separate the 5% GST from the pre-tax price.
Understanding GST in Nunavut
There is no Territorial Sales Tax. The total tax on consumer goods is simply the 5% federal GST. This straightforward system is designed to avoid adding further financial burden to the extremely high cost of living in remote communities.
Nunavut's GST-only environment is complemented by the federal Nutrition North Canada program, which subsidizes the retail price of perishable foods in remote northern communities. These subsidies are separate from the GST system and do not affect how tax is calculated — but they explain why essential food prices in Iqaluit may appear lower than the air-freight logistics would suggest.
- GST (Federal): 5%
- PST (Provincial/Territorial): 0%
- Total: 5%
Retail sticker prices in Nunavut's Northern Stores or Co-ops do not include the 5% GST. You should always expect this addition at the checkout register. Use our 'Amount includes tax?' toggle to easily calculate the exact GST you paid on a final grocery or freight bill.
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.
Nunavut shares the lowest retail sales tax rate in Canada (5%) with other territories and Alberta, which helps slightly offset the exceptionally high cost of air-freighted goods in the North.
| 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 Nunavut (before tax and tax included)
The exact calculation formula in Nunavut is: Total = Amount × 1.05. Example: an $800 generator in Iqaluit costs $840 after tax (800 × 1.05) — compare this to $904 in Ontario (13% HST) or $920 in New Brunswick (15% HST). To reverse any Nunavut receipt, divide the total by 1.05.
Total including tax = Before-tax amount × (1 + 5%)
Before-tax amount = Total including tax ÷ (1 + 5%)
Rules & Exemptions
- There is no provincial tax on clothing or vehicles (snowmobiles and ATVs are taxed only at 5%), but heavy shipping fees are often subject to the federal GST.
- Alcohol and tobacco have specific price structures and excise taxes strictly controlled by the territorial government.
FAQ - Nunavut 2026
Do I pay tax on shipping fees?
Yes, shipping services are considered a taxable service, so you will pay 5% GST on the shipping cost.
Is there a tax on snowmobiles?
You pay only the 5% GST on snowmobiles and ATVs, which is a significant saving compared to southern provinces.
Does Netflix charge tax in Nunavut?
Yes, digital services are mandated to charge the 5% GST.
