You may wonder why someone would need a Newfoundland sales tax calculator, but suffice it to say that sales taxes in Canada are quite complicated.

The sales tax rates vary by province, where some charge a PST (Provincial Sales Tax), others only charge the federal GST (Goods and Services Tax), and others like Newfoundland charge an HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).

When you look at it that way, it’s no wonder that people may need a Newfoundland sales tax calculator! But what is a Harmonized Sales Tax, how much is it, and are there any sort of exemptions for it? We’ll cover everything you need to know in our Newfoundland sales tax calculator article. 

What is harmonized sales tax (HST)? 

The first thing to know when using a Newfoundland sales tax calculator is that Newfoundland uses what’s known as a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

An HST is the combination of PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and federal GST (Goods and Service Tax). In many provinces that use HST, it’s a flat rate of 15%, that is except for Ontario, where it’s 13%. 

Newfoundland started using an HST in 1997 and adopted the system in an attempt to make it easier for businesses to charge sales tax, and for customers to pay it. 

Exemptions from the provincial portion of HST in New Brunswick

If you’re new to the tax system in New Brunswick or just learning to use a New Brunswick sales tax calculator then you’re probably thinking that surely some things are exempt from HST, right? You’d be correct. But in terms of the exemptions from the PST portion of HST, they’re few and far between. 

The only goods exempt from the provincial portion of HST are books. This also includes audiobooks. However, books are where the exemptions start and stop. 

First nations individuals and Newfoundland HST

In Canada, Indigenous people are referred to as First Nations Individuals. The constitution specifically recognizes three different types, which makes Canada quite a bit more progressive than some other North American neighbors. 

First Nations Individuals are exempt from HST if their purchases are made on reserved land. However, if you’re non-Indigenous then you’ll still be required to pay HST for purchases made on reserved lands.

There are lots of situations that arise surrounding this rule, so for more information about the exemptions to HST made for First Nations Individuals, go here. 

Exemptions for the federal portion of HST

When learning about HST and looking for a quality Newfoundland sales tax calculator, it’s important to know that although there aren’t many exemptions for the provincial portion of HST, there are quite a few for the federal portion. 

There are two different types of exemptions for GST: zero-rated goods and services, and exemptions. Here are a few of the exemptions made for federal GST: 

Zero-rated Goods and Services

• Prescription, but not over-the-counter, drugs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Medical devices
• Grocery items like eggs, dairy products, fish, meat, cereal, coffee, tea and vegetables. But things like snack foods, liquor, and carbonated beverages are charged HST. 

Federal GST exemptions

• Resale of residential property that’s been previously owned or used
• Educational services that are requirements for certain industries or which result in diplomas or certificates
• Rentals that last more than a month
• Financial services (which include bank fees)
• Legal aid services
• Dental and medical services
• Daycare services for children

How are out-of-province sales taxed? 

One of the things you’ll need to know before using a Newfoundland sales tax calculator is how out-of-province sales are taxed. 

If a customer goes to a shop or business in Newfoundland to purchase goods or services, then they’re charged HST. But if the customer lives in another province or if the product is shipped to another province, then they aren’t charged the HST.

So, when it comes to HST, the point of sale is crucial for determining which type of sales tax is charged. 

Which businesses must register for HST

Many of the people searching for a Newfoundland sales tax calculator are business owners, and it’s only natural that they’re wondering whether they’re required to register to collect HST. 

The short answer is that businesses that make more than $30,000 per year are required to register to collect HST. So, if your company makes less than $30,000 per year then it isn’t required to register. 

HST/GST tax credit

If you’re a low-income individual then the good news is that you may apply for an HST/GST tax credit. The credit starts at $299 and there’s an additional $157 for families with a net income of over $9, 686. Once your household income reaches $38,892 then the credit is reduced depending on your income. 

The payments are made on January 5^th, April 5^th, July 5^th and October 5^th every year, which makes them easy to remember. 

The best places to find a Newfoundland sales tax calculator

Not every Newfoundland sales tax calculator is the same. We’ll tell you where to go to find a quality sales tax calculator! 

If you’re looking for a straightforward approach to sales tax calculators then the one of Hellosafe is a good choice. You just input the price of a product or service and it’ll tell you the price after taxes.

You can also do a reverse sales tax calculation, which is where you can enter the price after sales tax and it’ll tell you how much the product costs before sales tax so you can determine whether it’s a good deal. 

If you’d rather use a sales tax calculator with a few more details, then the calculator from Wowa is a better option for you. Not only does it tell you the total price of a product after sales tax, it will tell you the PST, GST and HST amounts and percentages.

You can also do a reverse sales tax calculator to find out how much a product costs before sales taxes, much like Hellosafe’s. The difference is that Wowa’s calculator provides you with more information and it provides it in a simple, easy-to-read and understand way. 

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