Question 1

What is the GST rate in Canada in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The federal GST rate in Canada is 5% — unchanged since January 2008. On top of this, provinces add their own tax, either as part of a combined HST or as a separate PST/QST. The total combined rate ranges from 5% in Alberta, Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut up to 15% in Ontario (HST 13%), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and PEI.

Question 2

What is the difference between GST, HST, PST, and QST in Canada?

Accepted Answer

GST is the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax — applies everywhere. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is a combined federal-provincial tax in Ontario (13%), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and PEI (all 15%) — collected together by CRA. PST (Provincial Sales Tax) is a separate provincial tax in BC (7%), Manitoba (7%), and Saskatchewan (6%) — filed separately with each province. QST (Quebec Sales Tax) is 9.975%, administered by Revenu Québec, not CRA.

Question 3

Does Alberta have HST or PST?

Accepted Answer

Alberta has neither HST nor PST — it is the only province with no provincial sales tax. Only the 5% federal GST applies in Alberta, making it the lowest-tax province for consumer purchases in Canada.

Question 4

How do I calculate HST in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

To add 13% Ontario HST: multiply the pre-tax price by 1.13. Example: CA$100 × 1.13 = CA$113. To remove HST from a total: divide by 1.13. Example: CA$113 ÷ 1.13 = CA$100. The HST component in CA$113 is CA$13.

Question 5

What is the GST registration threshold in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses must register for GST/HST when their taxable supplies exceed CA$30,000 in a single calendar quarter or in the previous four consecutive quarters. Once you exceed this threshold, you must register, collect, and remit GST/HST. The CA$30,000 'small supplier' threshold doesn't apply to taxi services and certain other businesses.

Question 6

Are groceries taxed in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Most basic grocery items are zero-rated for GST/HST purposes — meaning the tax applies at 0%, and businesses can still claim input tax credits. This includes most food for human consumption. However, restaurant meals, carbonated beverages, candy, and chips are taxable at the full combined rate.

Question 7

What is the Quebec QST rate?

Accepted Answer

The Quebec Sales Tax (QST) rate is 9.975% — applied on top of the 5% federal GST, giving a combined rate of approximately 14.975% in Quebec. QST is administered by Revenu Québec, not the CRA, so Quebec businesses file two separate tax returns.

🇨🇦 Canada GST/HST Calculator 2026 — All Provinces

All province rates — 2026

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