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Ontario Canada Sales Tax Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Ontario's sales tax system is one of the most complex in Canada, combining federal and provincial taxes. This calculator helps you understand how much tax you'll pay on purchases in Ontario, including the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

How Ontario Sales Tax Works

Ontario's sales tax system is a combination of federal and provincial taxes that apply to most goods and services sold in the province. The main components are:

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): This is the combined rate of GST and PST. For most purchases, you pay the HST rate, which is 13% (15% in some cases).

The calculation works like this:

Total Price = Original Price + (Original Price × Tax Rate)

For example, if you buy a $100 item with a 13% HST rate:

$100 + ($100 × 0.13) = $113

There are different tax rates depending on the type of product you're purchasing:

  • Most goods and services: 13% HST
  • Some essentials like groceries, prescription drugs, and medical supplies: 8% PST
  • Some services like accommodation and transportation: 13% HST

Current Tax Rates in Ontario

As of 2023, the main sales tax rates in Ontario are:

Tax Type Rate Applies To
HST 13% Most goods and services
PST 8% Prescription drugs, medical supplies, groceries
GST 5% Federal component of HST

Some items are tax-exempt, including:

  • Basic food and household supplies
  • Prescription drugs
  • Medical supplies
  • Some services like accommodation and transportation

Tax Exemptions in Ontario

Ontario has several categories of tax exemptions that apply to different types of goods and services. The main exemptions include:

Basic Food and Household Supplies: These items are exempt from PST but may still be subject to GST/HST.

Other exemptions include:

  • Prescription drugs and medical supplies
  • Some services like accommodation and transportation
  • Certain types of clothing and footwear

It's important to note that while some items are exempt from PST, they may still be subject to GST/HST. Always check the specific tax rules for the item you're purchasing.

How to Use This Calculator

Using this calculator is simple:

  1. Enter the original price of the item you're purchasing
  2. Select the appropriate tax rate based on the type of item
  3. Click "Calculate" to see the total price including tax
  4. Review the breakdown of the tax amount

For example, if you're buying a $100 item that's subject to 13% HST:

  1. Enter $100 in the "Original Price" field
  2. Select "13% HST" from the tax rate dropdown
  3. Click "Calculate"
  4. The calculator will show you the total price is $113, with $13 in tax

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HST, PST, and GST?
HST is the combined rate of GST (5%) and PST (8%). PST is the provincial sales tax, while GST is the federal component. Most purchases in Ontario are subject to HST at 13%.
Are there any items that are completely tax-free in Ontario?
Yes, some basic food and household supplies are exempt from PST, though they may still be subject to GST/HST. Prescription drugs and medical supplies are also tax-exempt.
How do I know what tax rate applies to my purchase?
Most purchases are subject to 13% HST. Some essentials like groceries and prescription drugs are subject to 8% PST. Always check the specific tax rules for the item you're purchasing.
Is the sales tax rate the same everywhere in Ontario?
Yes, the sales tax rates are uniform across Ontario. The rates apply to all purchases within the province.