Registering for GST/HST as a small business in British Columbia
When a small business in British Columbia must register for GST/HST, and how provincial tax registration fits in.
Key facts
| Place | British Columbia |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | Combined sales tax |
| Standard rate on file | 12% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.12 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 10.71% |
| Currency | CAD |
The small supplier threshold
Businesses with taxable sales over $30,000 in four consecutive calendar quarters generally must register for GST/HST. Below that you can register voluntarily, which lets you claim input tax credits.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the British Columbia Sales Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Price | CA$200.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 12% |
| Tax | CA$24.00 |
|---|---|
| Price incl. tax | CA$224.00 |
Provincial registration
In provinces with a separate PST or QST, provincial registration has its own rules and thresholds.
Quick reference at 12%
Common amounts in British Columbia, 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$1.20 | CA$11.20 | CA$8.93 |
| CA$50.00 | CA$6.00 | CA$56.00 | CA$44.64 |
| CA$100.00 | CA$12.00 | CA$112.00 | CA$89.29 |
| CA$250.00 | CA$30.00 | CA$280.00 | CA$223.21 |
| CA$500.00 | CA$60.00 | CA$560.00 | CA$446.43 |
| CA$1,000.00 | CA$120.00 | CA$1,120.00 | CA$892.86 |
| CA$5,000.00 | CA$600.00 | CA$5,600.00 | CA$4,464.29 |
How British Columbia 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 12% |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5% | lower |
| Manitoba | 12% | same |
| New Brunswick | 15% | higher |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 15% | higher |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the British Columbia Sales Tax Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 12%; 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
- 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.
- Standard rate
- The rate that applies to most goods and services unless a specific reduced rate, zero rate or exemption applies.
- Effective rate
- Total tax divided by total income, the average rate you actually pay.
- Net amount
- The amount before tax is added. On an invoice it is the figure the tax is calculated on.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the registration deadline after crossing $30,000.
- Forgetting provincial registration.
Run your own numbers. The British Columbia Sales Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
When must I register for GST/HST?
Generally once taxable sales exceed $30,000 in four consecutive quarters.
Should I register voluntarily?
It can make sense if you have significant input tax credits to claim.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.