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BC PST Common Errors
Some items which are exempt from PST but have often been sold with PST charged in error included:
 | web hosting accounts, where internet service (or e-mail service) is NOT bundled with the web hosting |
| 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 |
| some insulation products, such as Great Stuff Foam |
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.
Revised: September 20, 2024