Return to PST
You are here:
Home
/
Managing Your Household
/
/
Your Budget
Want Bigger Text? A A

Your Budget


Most households have seen an increase in how much they are paying in sales taxes under the HST. The Independent Panel on the HST estimates that families are paying, on average, an additional $350 in sales tax annually under the 12 per cent HST.

Additional measures have been put in place to reduce the impact of the HST on British Columbians.

The basic personal income tax exemption was increased for all British Columbians. This lowers personal income taxes by up to about $80 for individuals and by up to $160 for couples.

Analysis conducted by the Independent Panel, prior to the government announcement to lower the HST rate, showed that the 15 per cent of families earning less than $10,000 annually– will benefit under the HST as a result of the B.C. HST Credit they receive in the mail.

B.C. is providing point-of-sale rebates for motor fuels, books and other items, a provincial credit for residential energy, and a new housing rebate - as a result, these items are only taxed the 5 per cent federal portion of the HST, the same rate they faced under the former PST+GST system

 

Household Goods and Services

When you’re managing your household budget every dollar counts. Here is a brief overview of household goods and services where the tax rate has increased, stayed the same or been reduced under the HST.

You can always get a more comprehensive list in our Buying Goods section, the printable Quick Reference Guide or find more information about the HST at the Canada Revenue Agency.

What has more tax?

accordion arrow
What has the same tax?

accordion arrow
What has less tax?

accordion arrow