How Does Sales Tax Work in Ontario? Understanding HST Explained

Learn how Ontario's 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) works, combining federal and provincial rates on goods and services purchases.

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Sales tax in Ontario is composed of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which is 13%, combining an 8% provincial part with a 5% federal part. When making a purchase in Ontario, the HST is applied to the final sale price of most goods and services. For businesses, it's important to include this tax in the displayed price or explicitly state it's added at checkout. Consumers should always check receipts to ensure correct tax application.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in Ontario? The HST in Ontario is a 13% combined tax consisting of an 8% provincial portion and a 5% federal portion applied to most goods and services.
  2. How is sales tax applied to purchases in Ontario? Sales tax in Ontario is added to the final sale price of eligible goods and services, either included in the displayed price or added at checkout.
  3. Do businesses have to display HST separately in Ontario? Businesses in Ontario must either include HST in the displayed price or explicitly state that it will be added at checkout to inform customers.