BC Sales Tax Calculator (2026)
Direct answer: British Columbia sales tax is 5% GST plus 7% PST = 12% on most goods. On a $100 purchase that is $5 GST and $7 PST, for a total of $112. Some essentials are PST-exempt, and GST (but not PST) is recoverable by registered businesses. Enter an amount above to add or remove BC tax.
What is the sales tax in BC for 2026?
British Columbia charges 5% GST plus 7% PST, for a combined sales tax of 12% on most goods.
How do I calculate BC sales tax?
Multiply the price by 5% for GST and by 7% for PST, then add both. On $100 that is $5 GST + $7 PST = $112 total.
Is GST recoverable in BC but PST not?
Yes. A GST-registered business can claim GST back as an input tax credit, while BC PST is a retail tax that generally cannot be recovered.
What is PST-exempt in BC?
Many essentials are PST-exempt, including most groceries, prescription drugs and certain children's items, so the 12% headline does not apply to everything.
GST / HST / PST Sales Tax Calculator (2026)
How do I calculate BC sales tax?
British Columbia applies two separate taxes to most purchases: the 5% federal GST and the 7% provincial PST, both on the price before tax. Use the calculator above, or follow these steps:
- Multiply the price by 5% to get the GST.
- Multiply the same price by 7% to get the PST.
- Add both to the price for the total.
- To reverse it, switch the calculator to remove-tax mode and enter the total.
What is the BC sales tax breakdown for 2026?
The combined rate is 12%, made up of the two taxes below. Both apply to the same pre-tax amount, so there is no tax-on-tax in BC.
| Tax | Rate | On $100 |
|---|---|---|
| GST (federal) | 5% | $5.00 |
| PST (provincial) | 7% | $7.00 |
| Combined | 12% | $12.00 (total $112.00) |
What is exempt from BC PST?
BC PST does not apply to everything. Most basic groceries, prescription medications, certain children's clothing and a range of other essentials are PST-exempt, though the 5% GST may still apply or be zero-rated depending on the item. This means the 12% combined rate is a maximum for taxable goods, not a flat tax on every purchase. The PST also applies special rates to a few items such as certain vehicles and liquor.
Is BC sales tax recoverable?
The two taxes behave differently for businesses. The GST is a value-added tax, so a GST-registered business can claim it back as an input tax credit and it does not become a cost. BC PST is a retail sales tax that generally cannot be recovered, so it sticks as a real cost to the buyer or the end consumer. For a broader view, compare with the GST + PST calculator for other provinces, the GST/HST calculator, or your net pay with the Canada take-home pay calculator.