Sales tax in Northwest Territories: the 5% combined rate explained
How the 5% combined sales tax in Northwest Territories is made up and how to calculate it on any price.
Key facts
| Place | Northwest Territories |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | Combined sales tax |
| Standard rate on file | 5% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.05 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 4.76% |
| Currency | CAD |
How Canada layers sales tax
Canada charges a 5% federal GST. Some provinces combine it with their provincial tax into a single harmonized sales tax (HST); others charge a separate provincial sales tax (PST, or QST in Quebec); and some charge GST only. The combined rate on file for Northwest Territories is 5%.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the Northwest Territories Sales Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Price | CA$150.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 5% |
| Tax | CA$7.50 |
|---|---|
| Price incl. tax | CA$157.50 |
What is taxable
Basic groceries, prescription drugs and some medical devices are zero-rated for GST/HST. Provincial taxes have their own exemptions, so the combined rate does not apply to everything.
Quick reference at 5%
Common amounts in Northwest Territories, 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$0.50 | CA$10.50 | CA$9.52 |
| CA$50.00 | CA$2.50 | CA$52.50 | CA$47.62 |
| CA$100.00 | CA$5.00 | CA$105.00 | CA$95.24 |
| CA$250.00 | CA$12.50 | CA$262.50 | CA$238.10 |
| CA$500.00 | CA$25.00 | CA$525.00 | CA$476.19 |
| CA$1,000.00 | CA$50.00 | CA$1,050.00 | CA$952.38 |
| CA$5,000.00 | CA$250.00 | CA$5,250.00 | CA$4,761.90 |
How Northwest Territories 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 5% |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | 12% | higher |
| New Brunswick | 15% | higher |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 15% | higher |
| Nova Scotia | 14% | higher |
| Nunavut | 5% | same |
| Ontario | 13% | higher |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the Northwest Territories Sales Tax Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 5%; 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
- 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.
- Standard rate
- The rate that applies to most goods and services unless a specific reduced rate, zero rate or exemption applies.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying the combined rate to zero-rated items.
- Using another province's rate when shipping across provinces.
Run your own numbers. The Northwest Territories Sales Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Northwest Territories?
The combined rate on file is 5%.
Is GST charged on groceries in Canada?
Basic groceries are generally zero-rated.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.