Ontario Sales Tax Calculator 2015

Calculate Ontario's sales tax for purchases made in 2015 using this comprehensive calculator. Understand the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) rates, exemptions, and how to apply them to your transactions.

How to Use This Calculator

This Ontario sales tax calculator for 2015 helps you determine the total tax on a purchase. Simply enter the product price and select whether the item is taxable or exempt. The calculator will show you the HST and PST amounts separately and the total tax.

Note: This calculator uses the 2015 tax rates. For current tax rates, please use our updated Ontario sales tax calculator.

Steps to Use the Calculator

Enter the price of the product or service in the "Product Price" field.
Select whether the item is taxable or exempt using the dropdown menu.
Click the "Calculate" button to see the tax breakdown.
Review the results and use the "Reset" button to clear the calculator for a new calculation.

Ontario Tax Rates in 2015

In 2015, Ontario implemented a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) system that combined the previous provincial sales tax (PST) and goods and services tax (GST). The standard HST rate was 13%, which included the 8% PST and 5% GST.

HST Rate (2015): 13% (8% PST + 5% GST)

There were also reduced rates for specific goods and services:

Food and groceries: 8% PST only (no GST)
Prescription drugs: 8% PST only (no GST)
Newspapers and periodicals: 8% PST only (no GST)

How Ontario Sales Tax is Calculated

The Ontario sales tax is calculated based on the product price and the applicable tax rate. The formula for calculating the total tax is:

Total Tax = Product Price × Tax Rate

Where Tax Rate is either 13% (HST) or the applicable reduced rate.

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

Total Tax = $100 × 13% = $13

Total Price = $100 + $13 = $113

If the item is tax-exempt, the total tax would be $0.

Tax Exemptions in Ontario

Certain goods and services are exempt from the HST in Ontario. Some common exemptions include:

Basic groceries (food and non-perishable items)
Prescription drugs
Newspapers and periodicals
Books
Children's clothing
Medical equipment and devices

Note: Some exemptions may have specific conditions or requirements. Always verify the current exemption status of an item.

Common Scenarios

Here are some common scenarios where you might need to calculate Ontario sales tax:

Scenario 1: Purchasing a Taxable Item

If you buy a $50 item with a 13% HST rate:

HST Amount: $50 × 13% = $6.50
Total Price: $50 + $6.50 = $56.50

Scenario 2: Purchasing a Tax-Exempt Item

If you buy a $30 item that is tax-exempt:

HST Amount: $0
Total Price: $30

Scenario 3: Purchasing a Reduced-Rate Item

If you buy a $20 item with an 8% PST rate (food):

PST Amount: $20 × 8% = $1.60
Total Price: $20 + $1.60 = $21.60

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Ontario sales tax rate?: The current Ontario sales tax rate is 13% HST, which includes 8% PST and 5% GST. However, this calculator uses the 2015 rates.
Are there any exemptions from Ontario sales tax?: Yes, certain goods and services are exempt from the HST in Ontario. Common exemptions include groceries, prescription drugs, newspapers, books, and children's clothing.
How do I calculate Ontario sales tax?: Multiply the product price by the applicable tax rate (13% for most items, 8% for reduced-rate items). The result is the amount of tax to be paid.
Is Ontario sales tax included in the final price?: In most cases, Ontario sales tax is included in the final price displayed to consumers. However, some businesses may display prices before tax.
Where can I find more information about Ontario sales tax?: For more detailed information, you can visit the Ontario government website.