Ontario Pst Calculator
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The Ontario PST (Provincial Sales Tax) is a tax applied to most goods and services sold in Ontario. This calculator helps you determine how much PST you'll pay on your purchases, compare rates, and understand how the tax affects your spending.
How Ontario PST Works
Ontario's PST is a consumption tax that applies to most retail sales. The tax is added to the price of goods and services before they reach the consumer. The rate varies depending on the type of product or service being purchased.
Basic PST Calculation
The basic formula for calculating PST is:
PST Amount = (Product Price × PST Rate) / 100
Where:
- Product Price = The price of the item before tax
- PST Rate = The applicable PST rate (in percentage)
For example, if you buy a $100 item with a 8% PST rate:
PST Amount = ($100 × 8) / 100 = $8
The total price including PST would be $108.
Combined with HST
In some cases, PST is combined with the federal GST (Goods and Services Tax) to form HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). The combined rate is typically 13% in Ontario.
Current PST Rates
The PST rate varies depending on the type of product or service. Here are the current rates as of 2023:
| Product/Service Type | PST Rate |
|---|---|
| Most retail goods and services | 8% |
| Prescription drugs | 0% |
| Food and groceries | 0% |
| Medical devices and services | 0% |
| Newspapers and periodicals | 0% |
Note: Some products and services may be subject to additional taxes or fees.
How to Calculate PST
Calculating PST is straightforward once you know the applicable rate. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Determine the price of the item before tax.
- Find the applicable PST rate for that item.
- Multiply the item price by the PST rate (divided by 100).
- Add the PST amount to the original price to get the total cost.
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the PST for a $75 pair of shoes with an 8% PST rate:
PST Amount = ($75 × 8) / 100 = $6
Total price including PST: $75 + $6 = $81
This means you'll pay $81 in total for the shoes, with $6 going to the Ontario PST.
PST Exemptions
Not all purchases are subject to PST. Here are some common exemptions:
- Prescription drugs and medical services
- Food and groceries (except some prepared foods)
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Books and magazines
- Certain clothing items
- Some services provided by non-profit organizations
It's important to check the specific rules for each type of product or service, as exemptions can change.
FAQ
- What is the difference between PST and HST?
- PST is the provincial sales tax in Ontario. When combined with the federal GST, it becomes HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). The combined rate is typically 13%.
- Are there any items that are not subject to PST?
- Yes, certain items like prescription drugs, food, and medical services are exempt from PST. Check the list of exemptions for more details.
- How do I know what PST rate applies to my purchase?
- The PST rate is usually displayed on the receipt or can be found on the product packaging. Most retail items have an 8% PST rate.
- Is PST included in the price I see on store shelves?
- No, PST is added to the price at the time of purchase. The price you see is typically the pre-tax amount.
- Can I claim a refund on PST paid?
- PST is a consumption tax and is not typically refundable. However, some provinces may have specific rules about refunds in certain situations.