How to calculate sales tax in Nova Scotia
The formula for Nova Scotia sales tax at 14%, with a worked example.
Key facts
| Place | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | Combined sales tax |
| Standard rate on file | 14% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.14 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 12.28% |
| Currency | CAD |
The formula
Multiply the price by 0.14 to get the tax, or by 1.14 for the total.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the Nova Scotia Sales Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Price | CA$100.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 14% |
| Tax | CA$14.00 |
|---|---|
| Price incl. tax | CA$114.00 |
Quick reference at 14%
Common amounts in Nova Scotia, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.
| Amount | Tax on net amount | Gross (net + tax) | Net if amount includes tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA$10.00 | CA$1.40 | CA$11.40 | CA$8.77 |
| CA$50.00 | CA$7.00 | CA$57.00 | CA$43.86 |
| CA$100.00 | CA$14.00 | CA$114.00 | CA$87.72 |
| CA$250.00 | CA$35.00 | CA$285.00 | CA$219.30 |
| CA$500.00 | CA$70.00 | CA$570.00 | CA$438.60 |
| CA$1,000.00 | CA$140.00 | CA$1,140.00 | CA$877.19 |
| CA$5,000.00 | CA$700.00 | CA$5,700.00 | CA$4,385.96 |
How Nova Scotia compares
Standard rates on file for other provinces and territories. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.
| Place | Rate on file | Compared with 14% |
|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | 15% | higher |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 15% | higher |
| Northwest Territories | 5% | lower |
| Nunavut | 5% | lower |
| Ontario | 13% | lower |
| Prince Edward Island | 15% | higher |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the Nova Scotia Sales Tax Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 14%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
- Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.
Key terms
- Gross amount
- The amount after tax is added, which is usually what a consumer pays.
- Marginal rate
- The rate applied to the next unit of income. It decides how much of a raise or a deduction you keep.
- Taxable income
- Income left after allowances and deductions, on which the tax rates are applied.
- Zero rate
- A rate of 0% on a taxable supply. Unlike an exemption, the seller can usually still reclaim tax on costs.
- Tax credit
- An amount subtracted directly from the tax bill, worth its full face value.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Subtracting the rate from a total instead of dividing.
Run your own numbers. The Nova Scotia Sales Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate Nova Scotia sales tax?
Price times 0.14.
How do I add it in one step?
Price times 1.14.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.