What taxes do I pay when importing a vehicle to Canada?
Posted by
Ana Webb on Tue, May 10, 2011 @ 02:33 PM
Did you know there are 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada and there are 9 (NINE) different Tax scenarios for importing?! Some provinces have 5% GST only (Alberta), some provinces have HST (B.C.), and some have a combination of GST and PST and no HST.
When importing a vehicle to Canada - the only tax rate you pay at the border is the 5% GST (Goods and services tax). (Current as of May 10, 2011)
However, when you go to insure your vehicle for driving in Canada - you will pay the PST or HST portion at your insurance agent.
To calculate the amount of GST you will pay on your vehicle - you can use the BorderBuddy calculator. To view the different GST / PST / HST rates, check out this tax table.
The myriad of tax and duty rates can seem confusing - but the good news is that you only pay it at the time of import and when you register or insure the vehicle.
We are working on a calculator that will add the 'after border' costs so you have the full picture of all costs for importing a vehicle to Canada.
