Most new items in BC are taxed at 12% which includes a 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) and a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Good news is that almost all groceries, clothing for children 14 years old and under, prescription medication, some medical equipment, most work related PPE and believe it or not, bicycles!...are PST exempt. (There are some other items as well, which you can learn about by clicking HERE.)
...But what about the GST??
Goods and services that are zero-rated from GST include:
...But what about the GST??
Goods and services that are zero-rated from GST include:
- Basic groceries, including meats, fish, cereals, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, coffee, tea. *Some foods including snack foods, liquor, and carbonated beverages are charged taxes.*
- Prescription drugs, but not any drugs available over-the-counter (OTC).
- Medical devices
- Feminine hygiene products