The Burning Question: How Much HST Do I Gotta Pay in Ontario? (Don't Worry, It's Not a Pop Quiz)
Living in Ontario is pretty great, eh? We got stunning lakes, world-class cities, and enough poutine to make your taste buds do a happy dance. But let's be real, taxes are a fact of life, and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) can be a bit of a mystery. Fear not, fellow Ontarians! This post will be your guide to navigating the wonderful (or slightly annoying) world of HST.
 |
| How Much Is The Hst In Ontario |
HST 101: The Breakdown
HST in Ontario is a cool 13%. That means for every $10 you spend on taxable goods and services, you'll fork over an extra $1.30 to the government. Think of it as a tiny contribution to all those things that make Ontario awesome, like healthcare, infrastructure, and maybe even funding those hilarious signs that tell you the speed limit.
But wait! There's more! Some things are actually exempt from HST. We're talking groceries (gotta keep those Timmies runs affordable), basic clothing and footwear, and some prescription drugs. So, you won't be paying HST on your loaf of bread, but that fancy new sweater? Get ready to shell out a bit extra.
HST Hacks: How to Save That Loonie (or Two)
Alright, so you're stuck with the 13% HST on most things. But fear not, there are ways to be a savvy shopper!
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
- Embrace the rebates: Ontario offers point-of-sale rebates on certain items, basically meaning you get a discount on the provincial portion of the HST (which is 8%). Keep an eye out for those blue signs at the store!
- Befriend the second-hand market: Used furniture, clothes, and books are your friends! They're often cheaper and, guess what? No HST!
- Get crafty: Unleash your inner DIY master and make your own gifts or decorations. No HST on those! (Although, your friends might owe you a big thank you for the effort!)
HST: The Final Frontier (Okay, Not Really, But Here are Some FAQs)
Got some lingering HST questions? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions:
How to know if something is exempt from HST?
The Ontario government website has a handy list https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4022/general-information-gst-hst-registrants.html.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to calculate HST?
 |
There are plenty of online calculators that can do the math for you. Just search "HST calculator Ontario".
How to avoid paying HST altogether?
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Well, this one's a tough one. Moving to a province without HST is an option, but we wouldn't recommend it! Ontario's pretty great.
How to complain about HST?
Let's be honest, we've all thought about it. But instead, channel your inner Canadian politeness and maybe write a strongly worded letter to your MP.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to get a refund on HST you already paid?
This one depends on the situation. Check out the Canada Revenue Agency website for more info https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
