No HST means cheaper back to school supplies this year
Posted August 20, 2013 3:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – You will save around 7 per cent doing your back to school shopping this year compared to last year with the HST now out of the picture.
Most school supplies should be exempt from PST.
Federal Director Gregory Thomas says it’s a good idea to remind the cashier to not charge you PST if you’re buying supplies, such as binders, erasers, and pencils, for your children. “If you are shopping at a place where grown-ups also shop, make sure they are not getting mistaken for office supplies you also by.”
Same goes for your kid’s clothes, if they are under 15 you don’t have to pay PST. “A lot of sales clerks are very conscientious about that, but you can’t be too careful. You could be looking at saving $10-$15 on a big back to school shop.”
Backpacks, belts and scarves are considered to be “accessories” so you will have to pay GST and PST.
If you are heading across the border to do your back to school shopping you will also have to pay Washington State’s 6.5 per cent retail sales tax, but individual cities can add on additional percentages.
A government list of PST exempt items can be found here.
