B.C. finalizes PST framework for April 1 change

32,000 business have already registered for new PST number

The final legislation and regulations to re-implement British Columbia’s Provincial Sales Tax (PST) are now complete, according to Michael de Jong, the province’s finance minister.

The final legislative amendments to the Provincial Sales Tax Act have received royal assent and the regulations to bring it into force on April 1, 2013, have been approved by cabinet.

Businesses that sell or lease taxable goods, or sell software or taxable services in B.C. must register to obtain a new PST number, even if they already had one under the previous PST. It’s estimated that more than 70,000 businesses still need to register for the PST.

60,000 businesses have been contacted by direct phone call and 32,000 businesses have already registered for PST, according to the provincial government.

“As we committed in August 2011, we are returning to the PST with all permanent exemptions. Consumers will again not pay PST on purchases like food, restaurant meals, bicycles, gym memberships, movie tickets, and others, nor for personal services like haircuts,” de Jong said. “We’ve also introduced common-sense improvements that will make administration of the sales tax easier for businesses.”

Businesses can register for PST three ways:

Online — by going to www.gov.bc.ca/etaxbc/register

In person — by going to the nearest Service BC Centre (locations are listed at www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca)

By mail or fax – businesses can complete the Application for Registration for Provincial Sales Tax (FIN 418) found at www.gov.bc.ca/pst (under Forms and Publications).

Businesses with questions about the PST can call ServiceBC’s toll-free help line at 1-877-388-4440 or email questions to [email protected].

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