Restaurant bills in British Columbia: tax and tip
How restaurant tax works in British Columbia and how to calculate a tip on the pre-tax amount.
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 |
Tax first, tip on the subtotal
Restaurant meals in British Columbia are taxed at the combined rate. Many diners tip 15% to 20% on the pre-tax subtotal.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the British Columbia Tip and Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Amount | CA$200.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 12% |
| Tip (%) | 15% |
| Tax | CA$24.00 |
|---|---|
| Tip | CA$30.00 |
| Total | CA$254.00 |
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 Tip and 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
- Net amount
- The amount before tax is added. On an invoice it is the figure the tax is calculated on.
- Exempt supply
- A sale that falls outside the tax entirely. No tax is charged and input tax usually cannot be reclaimed.
- Withholding
- Tax deducted at source, by an employer or payer, before the money reaches you.
- Reduced rate
- A lower rate that applies to specific categories, often essentials such as food, medicine or books.
- Deduction
- An amount subtracted from taxable income. It saves tax equal to the deduction times your marginal rate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Tipping on tax without realising it.
Run your own numbers. The British Columbia Tip and Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip on tax in British Columbia?
Common practice is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal.
Is restaurant food taxed in British Columbia?
Yes, at the combined rate.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.