Harmonized Sales Tax Ontario Calculator

Ontario's Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services sold in the province. This calculator helps you determine the HST amount on purchases, understand how it affects your spending, and compare prices with and without tax.

What is HST in Ontario?

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a single sales tax that replaces Ontario's previous system of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). It was introduced in 2010 to simplify the tax system and provide a more transparent pricing structure for consumers.

HST applies to most goods and services sold in Ontario, with some exceptions including basic groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical services. The tax is collected by retailers and remitted to the government, with the revenue used for provincial programs and services.

HST is different from the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) that applies across Canada. While GST is a federal tax, HST is a provincial tax that combines both federal and provincial components into a single rate.

How is HST calculated?

The HST amount is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. The standard HST rate in Ontario is 13%, which includes both the federal GST (5%) and Ontario's PST (8%).

HST Amount = Purchase Price × (HST Rate / 100)

For example, if you buy a product priced at $100 with a 13% HST rate:

HST Amount = $100 × (13 / 100) = $13

The total price including HST would be $113. This means the HST is $13, and the pre-tax price is $100.

HST on different purchase types

HST applies to most retail purchases, but there are some exceptions:

Basic food and groceries (except some imported goods)
Prescription drugs
Medical services and dental services
Some financial services
Certain property transactions

For purchases that are exempt from HST, the seller is required to clearly indicate this on the invoice or receipt.

Current HST rates in Ontario

The standard HST rate in Ontario is 13%, which applies to most goods and services. However, there are some reduced rates for specific items:

Item Type	HST Rate
Most goods and services	13%
Basic groceries (except some imported goods)	0%
Prescription drugs	0%
Medical services and dental services	0%

It's important to note that while some items have a 0% HST rate, they may still be subject to other taxes or fees. Always check the invoice or receipt for the complete breakdown of charges.

How to use this calculator

Using this HST calculator is simple:

Enter the purchase price in the "Purchase Price" field
Select the appropriate HST rate from the dropdown menu
Click the "Calculate" button
View the results showing the HST amount and total price

The calculator will show you:

The calculated HST amount
The total price including HST
A breakdown of the tax components (GST and PST)

You can use this calculator for any purchase in Ontario to quickly determine how much HST will be applied to your purchase.

Common questions about HST

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ontario's HST:

What is the difference between HST and GST?: HST is a single sales tax that combines both the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the provincial Provincial Sales Tax (PST) into one rate. This makes the tax system simpler and more transparent for consumers.
Which items are exempt from HST in Ontario?: Basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical services, and some financial services are exempt from HST. Always check the invoice or receipt to confirm if an item is exempt.
How do I know if a product is taxable or exempt?: Retailers must clearly indicate on the invoice or receipt whether an item is subject to HST or exempt. Look for the HST rate or exemption notice on your receipt.
Can I claim HST back if I'm a business?: As a business, you can claim input tax credits for the HST you've paid on your business expenses. You'll need to keep proper records and file your tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Is HST included in the price or added at checkout?: In Ontario, HST is typically included in the price of goods and services. This means the price you see on the shelf or listed online already includes the HST amount. You'll see the pre-tax price and the total price on the receipt.