Sales tax on a vehicle purchase is often the second-largest expense after the vehicle itself — on a $50,000 vehicle in Ontario, you'll pay $6,500 in HST alone. Understanding exactly what tax applies in your province, whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller, is essential for accurate budgeting.
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Car Tax Rates by Province — Complete Table
| Province | Dealer Purchase Tax | Private Sale Tax | Tax on $40,000 Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 13% HST | 13% RST (on higher of price or Black Book) | $5,200 |
| British Columbia | 12% (5% GST + 7% PST) | 12% PST (on higher of price or NADA value) | $4,800 |
| Alberta | 5% GST | 5% GST (if seller is registrant; often $0) | $2,000 |
| Quebec | 14.975% (QST+GST) | 14.975% (on higher of price or estimated value) | $5,990 |
| Saskatchewan | 11% (5% GST + 6% PST) | 6% PST (on higher of price or value) | $4,400 |
| Manitoba | 12% (5% GST + 7% RST) | 7% RST on sale price | $4,800 |
| Nova Scotia | 15% HST | 15% HST | $6,000 |
| New Brunswick | 15% HST | 15% HST | $6,000 |
| PEI | 15% HST | 15% HST | $6,000 |
| Newfoundland | 15% HST | 15% HST | $6,000 |
Province-by-Province Tax Details
Ontario — 13% HST
Ontario applies 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to all vehicle purchases at registered dealers. For private sales, the Ministry of Transportation collects 13% Retail Sales Tax (RST) at the ServiceOntario office when you transfer ownership. The tax base is the greater of the sale price or the Canadian Black Book wholesale value.
British Columbia — 12% Combined
BC charges 5% GST (federal) plus 7% PST (provincial) on dealer purchases, totalling 12%. On private sales, PST still applies at 7–20% depending on the vehicle's value. Luxury vehicles above $125,000 face a higher PST rate. ICBC collects PST when you transfer the title.
Alberta — 5% GST Only
Alberta is the lowest-tax province for vehicle purchases — only the federal 5% GST applies on dealer sales. Private sales between individuals are generally not taxable unless the seller is a GST-registered business. This makes Alberta a popular province for vehicle purchases, especially for expensive vehicles.
Quebec — 14.975% Combined
Quebec charges both 5% GST and 9.975% QST (Quebec Sales Tax), totalling 14.975% — among the highest in Canada. SAAQ collects the tax when you transfer ownership. Private sale tax is based on the greater of the sale price or the value established by SAAQ's estimation tool.
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Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYATrade-In Tax Credit
In most Canadian provinces, when you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, you only pay tax on the difference between the new vehicle price and your trade-in allowance. For example, in Ontario: new car at $45,000, trade-in valued at $12,000 — you pay 13% HST on $33,000 (= $4,290) rather than on the full $45,000 (= $5,850). This trade-in tax credit saves $1,560 in this example.
This tax benefit does NOT apply to private sales — another reason why dealer purchases can be financially competitive despite higher sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay tax when buying a car from a family member in Canada?
Yes, in most provinces. Even family transfers are subject to provincial transfer tax assessed on the Black Book value. Some provinces (like Ontario) have specific family gift exemptions for direct family members — check your provincial rules before assuming a family sale is tax-free.
Can I avoid paying car sales tax in Canada?
No — tax is collected at provincial registration/transfer and cannot be legally avoided. Understating the sale price on a bill of sale is tax fraud; provinces use Black Book values as a floor in any case.
See also: Ontario Car Tax | BC Car Tax | Alberta Car Tax | Quebec Car Tax