Quebec Sales Tax (GST & QST) Calculator 2024

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Sales Taxes in Quebec

Quebec is one of the provinces in Canada that charges separate provincial and federal sales taxes. In Quebec, the provincial sales tax is called the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) and is set at 9.975%. The QST was consolidated in 1994 and was initially set at 6.5%, growing over the years to the current amount of 9.975% set in 2013.

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Most exemptions and rebates to the federal GST also apply automatically to the QST.

Exemptions specific to the QST include:

1. Books, including audiobooks, that have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
2. Products for infants, including diapers, baby bottles and breastfeeding equipment.
3. Insurance premiums*

Special Taxes on Insurance Premiums

In Quebec, insurance premiums are not exempt from both QST and GST. However, a special 9% tax is charged on insurance premiums related to insurance on a certain entity or property. Examples include auto insurance and home insurance. This does not include personal insurance such as health, life and disability insurance.

Quebec First Nations and PST

Most goods and services sold to First Nations will be charged GST and QST. However, services provided on a reserve to a First Nations individual will not be charged sales taxes. Quebec follows federal guidelines on the exemption of sales taxes to First Nations. Further exemptions and regulations can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Quebec Sales Taxes on Used Motor Vehicle Sales

In Quebec, sales taxes are charged differently on used motor vehicle sales depending on who sells it to you. If you buy a used car from a dealer, you will have to pay both the 5% GST and 9.975% QST on the agreed sales price. If you buy a used car from another person, however, you will only need to pay QST on the greater of the sales price or the estimated value of the vehicle. You do not pay the QST amount to the person or dealer that sold you the vehicle. You will pay it directly to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) at the time of registration.

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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

Quebec Revenues from Sales Taxes

Sales taxes make up a significant portion of Quebec’s budget. Revenues from consumption taxes such as the QST are expected to total $27.991 billion, or 23.2% of all of Quebec’s revenue (excluding federal transfers) during the 2024 fiscal year. This is equivalent to almost two-thirds of Quebec’s total personal income tax revenue.

Federal Revenues from Sales Taxes

The federal portion of the sales taxes contributes to the Canadian government’s budget. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is estimated to have brought about $54.4 billion in tax revenue during the 2023 fiscal year. This accounts for 11.9% of the total revenue at the federal level.