Do I charge PST as a freelancer or consultant in BC?

Usually no. BC's PST applies to sales of goods and a specific list of services (like legal services, telecommunication services, and short-term accommodation) — general consulting, writing, design, and most freelance services are not on that list. If you're unsure whether your specific service is PST-taxable, check BC's PST guide or ask an accountant rather than assuming either way.

Do I still charge GST even if I don't charge PST?

Yes — GST (5%) is a federal tax that applies to almost all goods and services in Canada, separate from BC's provincial PST rules. Once you're registered, GST applies regardless of whether your specific service is PST-taxable.

What if I sell both goods and services?

You may need to charge PST on the goods portion and GST-only on the services portion of the same invoice — list them as separate line items so each is taxed correctly rather than applying one blanket rate to everything.

How to Invoice in British Columbia

Sales tax rate, registration threshold, and CRA rules for invoicing in British Columbia — plus a worked example.

By InvoiceFlow Canada Team · Updated July 19, 2026

Quick answer

British Columbia charges 5% GST on virtually all invoices. Provincial PST (7%) generally applies to goods and a specific list of services — not typical freelance or consulting work — so most service invoices are GST-only. Register once your revenue crosses $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters.

What's the sales tax rate in British Columbia?

British Columbia charges GST 5% (+ PST 7% only if your specific service is PST-taxable)on most goods and services — the exact rate InvoiceFlowCA applies automatically once you set your customer's province in the invoice generator below. Register once your self-employed revenue crosses $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters; below that threshold, no tax applies at all.

GST 5% (+ PST 7% only if your specific service is PST-taxable)

This is the one province where getting it wrong is common: PST is a goods-and-specified-services tax, not a general services tax. Selling software, physical goods, legal services, telecommunications, or short-term accommodation? Confirm your PST obligation with BC's PST guide or an accountant — most consulting, design, writing, and similar freelance services are not PST-taxable.

How much tax would I charge on a $1,000.00 invoice in British Columbia?

On a $1,000.00 invoice in British Columbia, you'd charge GST 5% (+ PST 7% only if your specific service is PST-taxable) — $120.00 in tax — for a total of $1,120.00 due. This is exactly how InvoiceFlowCA calculates it automatically on your own invoices, using the current rate for British Columbia, not a hardcoded number that can go stale.

A $1,000.00 invoice to a customer in British Columbia:

Subtotal: $1,000.00
GST 5%
PST 7%
Tax total: $120.00
Total due: $1,120.00

When do I need to register for GST/HST in British Columbia?

You must register for a GST/HST number once your total self-employed revenue crosses $30,000over four consecutive calendar quarters — below that, you're a CRA "small supplier" and aren't required to charge tax at all. This threshold is federal and applies the same way in every province.

Try it on your next invoice

Free, no signup — set the customer's province to British Columbia and let tax calculate automatically.

Create your invoice

Frequently asked questions

Free Invoice GeneratorCreate a tax-ready invoice with the correct rate applied automatically.GST/HST CalculatorInstant tax calculation for any province, plus reverse calculation.Freelancer Invoicing in CanadaThe full legal requirements and province-by-province tax rates in one place.Sales Tax Rates by ProvinceSee every province and territory's current rate in one always-current table.How to Invoice in Ontario13% sales tax and registration rules for Ontario.How to Invoice in Alberta5% sales tax and registration rules for Alberta.