Add or remove HST, GST, and PST for all 13 provinces and territories — with correct 2026 rates and federal + provincial breakdown.
Three Tax Systems in Canada
Canada has three distinct sales tax systems, and it's crucial to understand which applies where. The GST (Goods and Services Tax) is the federal component at 5%, applied everywhere. On top of that, provinces apply their own sales taxes—either as HST (Harmonised Sales Tax), PST (Provincial Sales Tax), or QST (Quebec Sales Tax). This means the total sales tax you pay ranges from 5% in no-tax provinces (Alberta) to 15% in Atlantic provinces.
HST provinces (Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island) combine federal and provincial tax into a single 13–15% rate. GST+PST provinces (BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) apply the 5% federal GST plus a separate provincial tax (6–7%). Quebec uses GST+QST (Quebec Sales Tax) at 9.975%, totalling 14.975%. And Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have no provincial tax—just the 5% federal GST.
The difference is substantial. A $1,000 item costs $1,000 in Alberta but $1,150 in Nova Scotia—a $150 difference just from sales tax!
🧾 Sales Tax Calculator
$
Enter the amount before tax
Total Amount (with tax)
$0.00
Pre-Tax Amount
—
Federal Tax (GST)
—
5.00%
Provincial Tax
—
—
How It Works
Choose your mode. "Add Tax" calculates the total price from a pre-tax amount. "Remove Tax" backs out the tax from a receipt total (useful when you see a price tag and want to know the pre-tax cost).
Select your province or territory. The calculator automatically applies that region's rates.
Enter your amount. For "Add Tax," enter the price before tax. For "Remove Tax," enter the total you're paying at the register.
Review the breakdown. You'll see the federal portion (5% GST everywhere), the provincial portion (varies), and the total tax.
Canadian Example (2026)
Same $1,000 item across Canada
Province
System
Rate
Tax on $1,000
Total Price
Ontario
HST
13%
$130
$1,130
Alberta
GST only
5%
$50
$1,050
Quebec
GST + QST
14.975%
$150
$1,150
Nova Scotia
HST
15%
$150
$1,150
BC
GST + PST
12%
$120
$1,120
The difference: Same item, $100 more expensive in Nova Scotia than Alberta, purely due to tax!
What Your Results Mean
Federal vs Provincial Tax
The 5% GST goes to the federal government (except Quebec, which collects GST through the CRA and uses it for federal programs). The provincial portion varies: BC's PST at 7% goes to BC, Ontario's 8% HST portion goes to Ontario, etc. Businesses and accountants need to track these separately for remittance.
Adding vs Removing Tax
"Add Tax" is straightforward: multiply your pre-tax cost by (1 + tax rate). "Remove Tax" is trickier. If you see $1,130 on a receipt in Ontario and want the pre-tax amount, you must divide by 1.13, not subtract 13%. The calculator does this correctly automatically.
No Provincial Tax Provinces
In Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, there's only the 5% federal GST—no provincial layer. This makes them attractive for certain purchases (especially vehicles and fuel), though other costs (housing, labour) may differ regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between GST, HST, and PST?
GST (5%) is the federal goods and services tax applied everywhere in Canada. HST combines the federal and provincial portions into a single tax (13%, 14%, or 15% depending on province). PST is a separate provincial sales tax (6–7%) applied alongside the GST in provinces like BC and Saskatchewan. Quebec uses QST instead of PST. The net effect is that HST provinces have simpler tax codes but higher total rates in some cases.
How do I calculate GST/HST from a receipt total?
Use the "Remove Tax" mode. If a receipt shows $1,130 in Ontario (13% HST), the pre-tax cost is $1,130 ÷ 1.13 = $1,000. The tax is $130. This calculator handles the math for you—just enter the total and it backs out the tax automatically.
Does Quebec have HST?
No. Quebec uses GST (5%) + QST (Quebec Sales Tax at 9.975%) for a combined rate of 14.975%. The two are tracked separately on invoices and receipts. QST is Quebec's equivalent to other provinces' PST, but the rate is higher.
Which province has the lowest sales tax?
Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have the lowest rate at 5% (federal GST only, no provincial tax). This makes Alberta particularly attractive for big-ticket purchases like vehicles and fuel.
Are there exemptions to GST/HST in Canada?
Yes. Basic groceries (bread, milk, eggs), prescription drugs, medical devices, and certain health services are exempt or zero-rated. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and most other items are fully taxable. The CRA maintains a detailed exemption list. Provinces may have additional exemptions for PST/QST.
How do I calculate tax for a business invoice?
For a B2B invoice in Canada, you add GST/HST/PST to your pre-tax price, just like this calculator does. However, if both parties are registered for GST (or HST), the purchaser can claim an "input tax credit" and recover the tax. This is tracked separately on HST/GST registration forms. For B2C sales (business to consumer), you simply add the tax to the price as shown on the receipt.
5 Tips on Canadian Sales Tax
1. Note GST exemptions: basic groceries, prescription drugs, and medical devices
If you're buying bread, milk, or eggs—no GST/HST. Same for prescription medications. But prepared food, restaurant meals, and vitamins are fully taxed. Read the fine print on receipts to understand what's exempt.
2. Input tax credits exist for registered businesses
If you're a GST/HST-registered business, you can claim back the tax you pay on business purchases. This is tracked on your monthly or quarterly GST return with the CRA. Keep invoices carefully—CRA audits this regularly.
3. Big purchases in low-tax provinces can save thousands
Buying a car in Alberta (5% GST) vs Ontario (13% HST) saves 8% of the purchase price. On a $50,000 vehicle, that's $4,000. It's why some Canadians cross provincial borders for major purchases.
4. PST/QST exemptions vary by province—check your local rules
BC PST is exempt on some items Ontario HST covers, and vice versa. When moving provinces, review what taxes apply to your regular purchases. Some provinces exempt children's clothing; others don't.
5. Online purchases from outside Canada may have different tax rules
As of July 2021, Canadian sales tax must be collected on items imported from the US and other countries, even if the vendor is foreign. Check CRA guidelines on cross-border purchases to avoid surprises at the border.
Disclaimer: GST/HST/PST rates and exemptions are subject to change and vary by item type and province. This calculator applies the standard rates to all items. Exempt items (basic groceries, prescription medications) may not be taxable, and some provinces have additional exemptions. Always verify with the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) or your provincial tax authority for specific items and situations. This is not official tax advice.