Sales tax in Nova Scotia: the 14% combined rate explained
How the 14% combined sales tax in Nova Scotia is made up and how to calculate it on any price.
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 |
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 Nova Scotia is 14%.
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$150.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 14% |
| Tax | CA$21.00 |
|---|---|
| Price incl. tax | CA$171.00 |
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 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
- 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.
- 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.
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 Nova Scotia Sales Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Nova Scotia?
The combined rate on file is 14%.
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.