1. What Are Quebec Sales Taxes?

Quebec has a dual sales tax system consisting of the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the provincial Quebec Sales Tax (QST). The combined tax rate is one of the highest in Canada, making accurate calculation essential for both consumers and businesses.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Quebec sales tax formula:

Where:

• \( GST \) — Federal Goods and Services Tax (5%)
• \( QST \) — Quebec Sales Tax (9.975%)
• \( Price \) — Pre-tax price of goods or services
• \( 0.05 \) — GST rate (5%)
• \( 0.09975 \) — QST rate (9.975%)

Explanation: The QST is applied on the price including GST, which is why the effective combined rate is slightly different from simply adding the two percentages.

3. Quebec Tax Rates Breakdown

Details: Quebec's sales tax system includes:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5% federal tax applied nationwide
• QST (Quebec Sales Tax): 9.975% provincial tax specific to Quebec
• Combined Rate: Effective rate of approximately 14.975%

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the pre-tax price in Canadian dollars. The calculator will automatically compute both the tax amount and the total price including taxes. Ensure the price entered is positive and in numeric format.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are all goods and services subject to both taxes?
A: Most goods and services are subject to both GST and QST, but there are exceptions like basic groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical devices that may be zero-rated or exempt.

Q2: How is QST different from other provincial sales taxes?
A: Unlike some provinces that have a single HST, Quebec maintains separate GST and QST systems, with QST being applied on the GST-inclusive price.

Q3: Are there any tax rebates or credits available?
A: Yes, Quebec offers various tax credits including the QST credit for low-income individuals and families to help offset the impact of sales taxes.

Q4: Do tourists pay Quebec sales tax?
A: Yes, tourists pay the same sales taxes as residents, though there may be rebate programs for certain circumstances like convention attendees.

Q5: How often do Quebec tax rates change?
A: Tax rates can change with provincial budgets, but changes are relatively infrequent. The current QST rate has been in effect since January 1, 2013.