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
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.
Sales tax rate in British Columbia
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.
Worked example
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 you must register
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