Saskatchewan Sales Tax (GST & PST) Calculator 2020

Sales Taxes in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is one of the provinces in Canada that charges a separate Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). In Saskatchewan, the PST is set at 6% and the GST is 5%. Most goods and services are charged with both taxes.

Sales Taxes Across Canada for $1000

Saskatchewan Rebates and Exemptions to the PST

Unlike other provinces, there are almost no exemptions to Saskatchewan’s PST. Non-residents can purchase vehicles without paying PST. Registered First Nations are also exempt from the PST for goods and services purchased on First Nations lands. SeeSourcefor more details.

Saskatchewan New Home Rebate

In 2020, Saskatchewan rolled out a new rebate for New Homes. Up to 42% of the PST paid for new homes closed from April 1st, 2020 to March 31st, 2023 can be rebated.

There are a number of conditions for the New Home Rebate:

1. The new home must be valued less than $450,000. The maximum rebate is $8,820 for a $350,000 home and decreases linearly to $0 by $450,000.
2. The rebate applies only to the PST charged on the price of the home. The value of the land (if applicable) and any renovations are not considered. This means that they do not apply to the home value limitation of $450,000 but will still be charged the full PST. Appliances are included in the total value of the home.
3. The home must become your primary place of residence.

Saskatchewan Rebates and Exemptions to the GST

There are two types of exemptions for GST: direct exemptions and zero-rated goods and services. The difference is related to how businesses handle costs related to the exemptions, but as a consumer, you would not have to pay GST on items from either category.

Goods and services that are zero-rated from GST include:

• Basic groceries, including meats, fish, cereals, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, coffee, tea. Some foods including snack foods, liquor, and carbonated beverages are charged HST.
• Prescription drugs, but not any drugs available over-the-counter (OTC).
• Medical devices
• Feminine hygiene products

Goods and services that are directly exempt from GST include:

• Residential resales of property that has been previously owned and used
• Rental accommodations of longer than a month
• Educational services that lead to a certificate or diploma or are required for a certain practice
• Medical and dental services
• Financial services such as bank fees
• Legal aid services
• Day-care services

Saskatchewan Revenues from Sales Taxes

Sales taxes make up a significant portion of Saskatchewan’s budget. Revenues from sales taxes such as the PST are expected to total $2.555 billion, or 33.7% of all of Saskatchewan’s taxation revenue, during the 2019 fiscal year. This is greater than revenue from Saskatchewan’s corporate income tax and property tax combined.

Federal Revenues from Sales Taxes

Sales taxes also contribute to the Canadian government’s budget. The 5% Goods and Services Tax is expected to bring $40.8 billion in tax revenue during the 2019 fiscal year. This amounts to 14.2% of total tax revenue on the federal level. This is almost double the amount Canada spends on national defence every year.