The newly implemented harmonized sales tax will increase the amount of tax charged to the British Columbian consumers for a variety of services. Mobile phone services and long distance services are already charged a 5% GST and a 7% PST, meaning the new 12% HST that is now charged doesn’t change the overall cost. However, local phone services and basic cable television will now have the additional HST applied, effectively increasing the amount of tax paid on these items from 5% to 12%.
Maintenance services home-owners often take advantage of, such …

The harmonized sales tax is now in effect in British Columbia and Ontario, immediately increasing the prices for select goods and services. There is still much confusion over exactly what impact the HST will have. For example, in a recent survey of BC residents, only one-third correctly identified the exemption for basic groceries, about the same number are aware that residential rent, children’s items such as clothing, footwear and diapers and prescription drugs will be exempt from HST.

The clothing industry doesn’t escape the Harmonized Sales Tax scheduled to come into effect on July 1st. Both GST and PST are already charged on most articles of clothing and accessories. Tax on adult clothing and shoes, watches, jewelery , handbags, backpacks, sunglasses and belts will all remain being taxed at 12%, but instead of 5% GST and 7% PST, it will now be a 12% HST. Used adult clothing escaped the provincial sales tax, but will be subject to 12% Harmonized Sales Tax after July 1st.
In British Columbia, clothing for children, …