This booklet is intended to provide useful information to assist businesses in their

transition to the new harmonized sales tax (HST) in British Columbia, and does not
replace federal or provincial legislation and accompanying regulations. It is strictly
intended for reference purposes. As it may not completely address your particular
operation, you may wish to consult the appropriate legislation or contact:
• Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525 or [Link]

• B.C. Ministry of Finance at 1-877-388-4440 or [Link]/fin/

.

What's Taxable under the HST

DAYARAYAN
and What's Not?

Dayarayan Management & Consulting Services LTD

 What's Taxable under the HST and What's Not?1
AROUND THE HOUSE GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Cleaning Products 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softeners 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Household Furniture 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Household Appliances (Refrigerators, Stoves, Washers, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Dryers,Freezers,Dishwashers)
Pre-packaged Computer Software 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Books (Including Audio Books) 5% No PST No (remains 5%)
Newspapers 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Certain School Supplies 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Magazines 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Office Supplies and Stationery 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Landscaping Material (Sod, Topsoil, Rockery) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Linens (e.g., Blankets, Towels, Sheets) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Tens, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Tools 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Patio Furniture 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Rugs and Mats 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Works of Art, Vases, and Carvings 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Sewing Machines 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Vacuum Cleaners 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Barbeques, Lawnmowers, Snow Blowers, Sprinklers 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Toys (e.g., Puzzles, Games, Action Figures, Dolls, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Playsets)
Outdoor Play Equipment (e.g., Swing Sets, Sandboxes, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Slides)
Arts and Craft Supplies (e.g., Glue, Paper, etc) 5% 7% No (remains 12%
Building Materials (e.g., Lumber, Concrete Mix, Nails) 5% 7% No (remains 12%
Energy Star Windows 5% No PST3 Yes (changes to 12%)
Thermal Insulation, Weather Stripping and Caulking 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Exterior and Interior Paint 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Kitchen Utensils 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Cookware 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
First Aid Kits 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Smoke Detectors Valued less Than $2502 for 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Residential Use
Other Smoke Detectors 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Household Pets (Including Pet Food) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
House Plants, Cut Flowers, and Outdoor Ornamental 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Plants
Food Producing Plants and Trees (e.g., Tomato Plants, 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Plum Tree)
Household Moving Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

1- Assumes sales by GST/HST registrants that are not non-profit organization or registered charities, unless otherwise specified.
2 - The Energy Star exemption for residential refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers ended on March 31, 2010. All major household appliances are now subject
to PST.
3 - Exemption was scheduled to expire April 2011.

2
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Adult Clothing and Footwear 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Children Sized Clothing and Footwear 5% No PST No (remains 5%)

Adult Sized Clothing for Children 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Children's Cloth Diapers 5% No PST No (remains 5%)4

Children's Disposable Diapers 5% 7% Yes (drops to 5%)5

Shoe Repair 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Tailoring Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Dry Cleaning 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Formal Wear Rentals 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Used Adult Clothing Purchased for Less Than $100 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)6

Watches 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Jeweler 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Handbags and Purses 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Backpacks 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Shoe Insoles and Laces 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Sunglasses (Non-prescription) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Scarves 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Umbrellas 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Belts 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

FOOD AND BEVERAGES GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Basic Groceries (e.g., Dairy, Meat, Vegetables, Canned Goods) No GST No PST No HST

Snack Foods (e.g., Chips, Pop) 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Restaurant Meals 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Alcoholic Beverages 5% 10% Yes (drops to 12%)7

Catering and Event Planning Services 5% No PST8 Yes (changes to 12%)9

(e.g., planning, consulting, coordinating and organizing)

4 - For Further detail see [Link]

5 - For Further detail see [Link]
6 - All sales used or donated goods mode by a registered charity are exempt from HST.
7 - Although the provincial sales tax rate on liquor is decreasing from 10% to 7% liquor mark-ups are adjusted with the implementation of the HST to generally
keep the Liquor Distribution Branch shelf prices constant..
8 - PST applies if the caterer provides a taxable service (e.g., setting up and taking down temporary gazebos, tents, and dance floors) or taxable goods that the
customer keeps (e.g., flowers or decorations).
9 - Catering provided by a registered charity is exempt from HST.

3
HOME SERVESES GST-taxable PST-taxable before Is there a change to the
before July 1,2010 amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 HST?
Basic Cable Television 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Additional or Specialty Cable Television or Satellite Television 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Cell Phone 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Municipal Water No GST No PST No HST
Home Maintenance Equipment (e.g., Lawn Mowers, Mops) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Local Residential Phone 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Long Distance Telephone Services 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Repair to Certain Household Appliances (e.g., Stoves, Ovens, 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Refrigerators, Washers, and Dryers)
Repair to Household Electronics (e.g., Televisions and Stereo 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Equipment)
Home Insurance No GST No PST No HST
Residential Electricity and Heating (e.g., Natural Gas/Oil) 5% No PST, but subject to Yes (drops to 5%, from 5.4%,
0.4% ICE10 Fund levy after a 7% provincial rebate)11
Internet Access 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Repair Maintenance or Renovation Services for Real Property 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
(e.g., Plumbing Electrical Wiring)

Landscaping Lawn-Care, Private Snow Removal and House 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Cleaning
Computer Hardware Repair Services (e.g., adding or repairing 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
circuit boards or other components
Computer Software Repair Services (e.g., virus removal or 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
software installation)

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Luggage 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Municipal Public Transit No GST No PST No HST

Hotel Rooms 5% 8% Yes (drops to 12%)12
Taxis 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Camping Sites 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

British Columbia Ferry System No GST No PST No HST

Domestic Air, Rail and Bus Travel Originating in British Columbia 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

International Air Travel to Continental United States originating in 5% No PST No (remains 5%)
British Columbia (Other Than Day Trips)
Internationa Air Travel Other Than to Continental United States No GST No PST No HST
originating British Columbia
International Rail, Bus or Ship Travel originating in British No GST No PST No HST
Columbia (Other Than Day Trips)

10 - Innovative Clean Energy

11 - Provincial administered Residential Energy Rebate applies to provincial portion of HST and ICE Fund levy is eliminated.
12 - In certain municipalities there is an additional local hotel room tax of up to 2% for tourism marketing

4
MOTORIZED VEHICLES GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Short Term Auto Rentals 5% 7% Plus $ 1.50 per Yes (rate remains at 12% but
day Passenger $1.50 per day tax eliminated
Vehicle Rental Tax
Lease of a Vehicle Other Than an Alternative Fuel Vehicle of 5% 7% to 10% Depends on previous PST
Fuel Efficient Vehicle treatment (remains 12% or
drops to 12%)
Lease of Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Fuel Efficien Vehicle 5% 7% to 10% (Subject Depends on previous PST
to a PST reduction) 13 treatment (remains 12% or
drops to 12%)
Purchase of Vehicle Other Than an Alternative Fuel Vehicle or 5% 7% to 10% Depends on previous P5T
Fuel Efficient Vehicle treatment (remains 12% or drops
to 12%)
Purchase of an Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Fuel Efficient Vehicle 5% 7% to 10% Depends on previous PST
(subject to a treatment (remains 12% of
PST reduction) drops to 12%)
Child Car Seats and Booster. Seats 5% No PST No (remains 5%)14
Auto Insurance No GST No PST No HST
Vehicle Parts 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Vehicle Repair Services 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Gil Changes 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Tires 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Automotive Window Repair 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Purchase of Used Vehicle from a Non- 5% 7% to 10% Depends on previous PST

GST Registrant (e.g., car dealer) treatment (remains 12% or drops
to 12%)
Purchase of Used vehicle from-ali^ff-GST Registrant (e.g., Private No GST 7% to 10% No HST (12% provincial tax
seller) applies) 15
Purchase of Boats and Non-Turbin Aricraft from a Non-GST No GST 7% No HST (12% provincial tax
Registrant (e.g., Private Seller) applies)
Boats and Non-Turbine Aircraft 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Gasoline/Diesel 5% No PST No (remains 5%)16

VehideOil, Grease, Lubricants antifreeze 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Outboard Motors 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Motor Vehicle Parking 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

13 - Please note that purchases and leases of some new alternative fuel vehicles or new fuel efficient vehicles are subject to a partial reduction in the PST payable.
For more information on the amounts of this PST reduction and who qualifies, please see Bulletin SST085 Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Fuel Efficient
Vehicles, located on the Ministry of Finance's website at [Link]
14 - For further detail, refer to [Link]
15 - HST does not apply. However, British Columbia's 12% tax on private sales of boots, aircraft and vehicles will apply to provide comparable treatment to sales
by dealerships.
16 - In For further detail, refer to [Link]

5
HOME PURCHASES GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Niew Homes up to $525,000 5% No PST No change"17
New Homes over $525,000 5% No PST Yes18
Previously Occupied Homes No GST No PST No HST
Legal fees 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Real Estate Commissions 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Health Care Services Offered by a Medical Practitioner No GST No PST No HST
(e.g., Medical and Dental Services) 19

Audiologist Services Offered by a practitioner of the Service No GST No P5T No HST

Chiropractic Services Offered by a practitioner of the Service No GST No PST No HST
Physiotherapy Services Offered by a practitioner of the Service No GST No PST No HST
Massage Therapy Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Pharmacist Dispensing Fees No GST No PST No HST
Over-the-Counter Medications 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Prescription Drugs No GST No PST No HST
Some Medical Devices Including Walkers, Hearing Aids No GST No PST No HST
Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses No GST No PST No HST
Feminine Hygiene Products 5% No PST No (remains 5%)20
Adult Incontinence Products No GST No PST No HST
Cosmetics 5% 7% No (remain5l2%)
Hair Care Products (e.g., Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Products)
Dental Hygiene Products (e.g.. Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Floss)
Vitamins 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Pill Boxes 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Sow Dryers 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Curling Irons 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Deodorants and Deodorrizers 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Nail Care Products (e.g. Nail Polish, Nail Files) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Perfume 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Shaving Supplies (e.g., Razors, Shaving Cream) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Tanning Lotion 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

17 - BC will provide a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion of the HST, to a maximum of $26,250, for new housing purchased as a primary residence. The
rebate ensures that, on average, purchasers will pay no more provincial tax due to harmonization-that is, the will pay no more in provincial HST than is
currently embedded as PST in the price of a new home. It is estimated that the embedded PST in new homes in BC is, on overage, equal to about 2% of the
price.
18 - Purchasers of eligible new homes over $, are eligible for a rebate of $26,250
19 - Other than for cosmetic purposes.
20 - For further detail, refer to [Link]

6
 MEMBERSHIPS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
EQUIPMENT before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Admission to Professional Sporting Events (e.g. Hockey, 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Football and Soccer Games)

Movie Tickets 5% NO P5T Yes (changes to 12%)

MUSIC Lessons No GST No PST No HST

Music Instruments 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Skis and Snowboards 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Hockey Equipment 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Steles (e.g., Hockey, Figure, Inline) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Safety Helmets for Sports (e.g., Hockey Helmets, Snowboard 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)
Helmets, Bike Helmets)

6o!r Clubs 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Golf Memberships 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Driving Range Fees 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Gym and Athletic Memberships 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Ballet, Karate, Trampoline. Hockey. Soccer Lessons etc. 5% No PST Yes21 (changes to 12%)

Tickets for Live Theatre 5% No PST Yes22 (changes to 12%)

Swim Fins and Swimming Goggles 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Bicycles 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Bicycle Accessories Purchased Separately 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Admission to Museums and Art Galleries 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Music Concerts 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Sports Equipment (e.g., Footballs, Soccer Ball, Baseball Bats, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)
Free Standing Gymnastics Equipment)

Ski Lift Passes 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Adult Sized Ski Gloves 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Adult Sized Ski Gloves for Children 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Children's Sized Ski Gloves 5% No PST No (remains 5%)

Ski Goggles 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Adult Sized Ski Boots 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Adult Sized Ski Boots for Children 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Children's Sized Ski Boots 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

21 - These items are subject to HST, although some could be exempt from HST if provided by a public service boody to children 14 and under and underprivileged
individuals with a disability.
22 - Subject to HST, although some could be exempt if the maximum admission charged by a public service body to children 14 and under and underprivileged
individuals with a disability.

7
LEASSE AND RENTALS GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Condo Fees No GST No PST NO HST23

Long-Term Residential Accommodation No GST No PST No HST

Hockey Rink and Hall Rentals 5% No PST Yes (Changes to 12%)

Equipment Rentals (e.g., Carpet cleaners, power washers) 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

ELECTRONICS GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Televisions 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

DVD and Blu-ray Players and Accessories 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Digital Cameras and Camcorders 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Cell Phones and Smart Phones 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

MP3 Players 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Music or Video MP3s Downloaded Electronically 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Video Game Consoles 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Video Games 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

GPS Systems 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Laptops 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Desk Top Computers 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Printers and Fax Machines 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Stereos and Speakers 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Cables, Wires, and Connector 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Projector Screens 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Headphones 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Marine Electronics (e.g., Marine Radios, GPS Systems, 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Speakers)

23 - Residential condo association fees to residents are exempt; however, purchase by condominium corporation will be subject to HST, if applicable.

8
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the
before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Child Care Services No GST No PST No HST

Legal Aid No GST No PST No HST

Funeral Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Coffins and Urns Purchased from Funeral Services 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Fitness Trainer 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Hair Stylist/Barber 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Esthetician Services (e.g., Manicures, Pedicures, Facials) 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Legal Services 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Accounting Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Interior Design Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Wedding Planning Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Veterinarian Services 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Professional Printed Photographs 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

Furniture, Automotive and Marine Re-upholstery 5% 7% No (remains 12%)

TOBACCO GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Cigarettes 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Cigars 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Chewing Tobacco 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

Nicotine Replacement Products 5% No PST Yes (changes to 12%)

BANKING AND INVESTMENTS GST-taxable PST-taxable Is there a change to the

before before amount of tax payable the
July, 2010 July 1,2010 HST?
Mortgage Interest Costs No GST No PST No HST

Most Financial Services No GST No PST No HST