BC Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Add or remove the 5% GST and the 7% PST on any amount in British Columbia. Enter the price before tax or the total with tax, and choose the PST rate for liquor, accommodation or PST-exempt items.
| Price before tax | $0.00 |
| GST (5%) | $0.00 |
| PST (7%) | $0.00 |
| Total with tax | $0.00 |
Updated November 2026 · Rates from the Government of British Columbia and the Canada Revenue Agency
How to calculate GST and PST in BC
British Columbia charges two separate sales taxes: the 5% federal GST and the 7% provincial PST, for 12% in total on most purchases. Both are calculated on the price before tax, so you can multiply the price by 1.12.
| Price before tax | GST (5%) | PST (7%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.50 | $0.70 | $11.20 |
| $50.00 | $2.50 | $3.50 | $56.00 |
| $100.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 | $112.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $50.00 | $70.00 | $1,120.00 |
The PST is not charged on the GST, and the GST is not charged on the PST: each tax applies to the price before tax. BC went back to this GST + PST system on April 1, 2013, when it left the HST.
Remove GST and PST from a total
To find the price before tax, divide the total by 1.12 for items taxed at the general rate. Subtracting 12% from the total gives the wrong answer.
Example
A receipt shows $56.00 with tax. $56.00 ÷ 1.12 = $50.00 before tax: $2.50 GST and $3.50 PST.
Liquor
For liquor, divide by 1.15 (5% GST + 10% PST). A $23.00 bottle is $20.00 before tax.
In the calculator
Choose the type of purchase, then type the amount in Total with GST + PST: the price before tax and both taxes appear instantly. Go to the calculator
BC PST rates in 2026
The general PST rate is 7%, but some purchases have their own rate and many everyday items are exempt.
| Purchase | PST | With GST |
|---|---|---|
| Most goods, software, telecommunication and legal services | 7% | 12% |
| Liquor (stores, bars and restaurants) | 10% | 15% |
| Short-term accommodation (hotels, rentals) | 8% + up to 3% MRDT | 13% to 16% |
| Vapour products | 20% | 25% |
| Vehicles | Varies with the price | – |
| Food, including restaurant meals | Exempt | 5% (GST) |
| Children’s clothing and footwear | Exempt | 5% (GST) |
MRDT is the Municipal and Regional District Tax that many communities add on accommodation. Vehicle rates depend on the purchase price and the type of sale: see the province’s PST rates and bulletins. Some basic groceries are also exempt from GST.
BC vs Ontario sales tax
British Columbia: 12%
Two separate taxes, 5% GST and 7% PST. Restaurant meals and children’s clothing pay GST only.
Ontario: 13%
One Harmonized Sales Tax that combines the 5% GST and an 8% provincial part. Use the Ontario HST calculator.
Other provinces
From 5% in Alberta to 15% in the Atlantic provinces. See all rates by province.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in British Columbia in 2026?
Most purchases in BC are taxed at 12%: the 5% federal GST plus the 7% BC Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Liquor carries 10% PST, short-term accommodation 8% and vapour products 20%.
How do I calculate GST and PST in BC?
Multiply the price before tax by 5% for the GST and by 7% for the PST, then add both to the price. On $100: $5.00 GST + $7.00 PST = $112.00. Both taxes apply to the price before tax, never to each other.
How do I remove GST and PST from a total in BC?
Divide the total by 1.12 for items taxed at the general rate. For example, $56.00 ÷ 1.12 = $50.00 before tax, so the taxes paid are $6.00 ($2.50 GST and $3.50 PST).
Do restaurant meals have PST in BC?
No. Food, including restaurant meals, is exempt from PST in British Columbia, so a meal is charged 5% GST only. Alcohol served with the meal is charged 5% GST plus 10% PST.
Is BC sales tax higher than Ontario?
No. BC charges 12% on most goods (5% GST + 7% PST) while Ontario charges a single 13% HST. BC also exempts more items from its PST, such as restaurant meals.