Effective July 1, 2010, the information on this page is no
longer applicable, as HST is now applicable in BC. See HST
in BC.
Some
items which are exempt from PST but are often sold with PST charged in error
are:
certain Energy Star®
refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers purchased after February 20,
2008. You may be charged PST
because the brand and model you purchased was not at the time listed on the
website of the federal Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). If the brand
and model is subsequently added to the OEE list, you may be able to apply
for a refund of the PST. See
PST bulletin SST 011, from the Provincial
Sales Tax Bulletins page. This bulletin has a link to the OEE
list of brand names and model numbers of eligible appliances.
web hosting accounts, where
internet service (or e-mail service) is NOT bundled with the web hosting
garage doors which contain
double glazed window units. Effective Feb 21, 2007, the exemption only
applies to Energy Star® qualified doors.
electricity being supplied to a residence via a temporary
power pole
rental of equipment when an operator is part of the rental
testing - for example, motor vehicle testing required on a
regular basis for commercial trucks and trailers
some safety items such as chainsaw safety pads
children's sportswear,
including wet suits
If you are charged PST in error, and are not
able to get a refund from the supplier, you can request a refund from the BC
Provincial Government Consumer Taxation Department. You will have to
provide copies of the invoices on which the PST was charged.
The BC government Provincial
Sales Tax Forms page includes form FIN 413
Application for a refund of social service tax (PST)
or hotel room tax, under the heading of Refunds. They will only
refund amounts of $10 or more.
See the article which lists many items which are exempt
from PST in BC. This list includes many items which were added to
the PST exempt list effective February 20, 2008.
The information on this site is not intended to be a
substitute for professional advice. Each person's situation differs, and
a professional advisor can assist you in using the information on this web
site to your best advantage.
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Directory for tax, accounting and finance-related firms in your
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