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Purchasing a boat in British Columbia (BC) is an exciting investment, whether it's for leisure or business. However, many buyers are often confused about the taxes involved, especially when financing a boat. Understanding the sales tax requirements is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth transaction. In this guide, we'll break down the applicable sales taxes, how financing affects taxation, and other key considerations for boat financing bc.
In British Columbia, boats are subject to Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Unlike some other provinces that impose the Goods and Services Tax (GST) only, BC requires boat buyers to pay a 7% PST on the purchase price of most boats.
The sales tax applicable to a boat purchase in BC depends on several factors:
Private Sales: If you purchase a boat from a private seller (individual to individual), PST applies but not GST.
Dealer Sales: If you buy from a dealer, you’ll likely pay both PST (7%) and GST (5%), bringing the total tax to 12%.
Out-of-Province Purchases: If you buy a boat from another province and bring it into BC, PST is still applicable upon registration.
Financing a boat does not exempt you from paying sales tax. However, the way sales tax is handled varies:
Upfront Payment of Sales Tax: In most cases, you must pay the entire PST amount at the time of purchase, even if you finance the boat. The tax is calculated based on the full purchase price before financing arrangements.
Inclusion in Loan: Some lenders may allow you to roll the sales tax into your financing plan, meaning you'll pay it over time as part of your loan payments. This increases the total cost due to interest.
Dealer Arrangements: If you purchase from a dealer, they will handle the sales tax calculations and include them in the total amount due at closing.
Purchase Price: $50,000
PST (7%): $3,500
Total Cost Before Financing: $53,500
If you finance the full amount, you may end up paying more due to interest on the tax amount.
While most boat buyers must pay PST, certain exemptions may apply:
Commercial Boats: If the boat is used exclusively for commercial fishing or business purposes, it may be PST-exempt.
First Nations Buyers: Individuals with valid Indigenous status may be exempt from PST if the purchase occurs on a reserve.
Boats Over 12 Meters: Some commercial vessels may qualify for tax reductions.
In BC, boat registration is often required, and tax must be paid at this time if it wasn’t collected at purchase. This applies particularly to private sales, where buyers must self-report and pay PST to the government.
Beyond PST, boat buyers should budget for:
Insurance Costs: Required for financed boats.
Marina Fees: If storing at a dock.
Maintenance and Repairs: Varies by boat type and age.
Fuel and Licensing: Ongoing costs that impact ownership.
Yes, you do have to pay sales tax when financing a boat in BC. Whether you purchase from a dealer or a private seller, PST (7%) is required, and in some cases, GST (5%) applies as well. While financing can spread out your payment obligations, it does not eliminate the need for sales tax, and in some cases, it can increase the total amount paid due to interest. Be sure to factor in these taxes when budgeting for your boat purchase.
PST is mandatory unless you qualify for an exemption, such as commercial use or Indigenous status on a reserve.
Yes, PST still applies on private sales of used boats. However, if buying from a dealer, both PST and GST may be required.
Some lenders allow you to include the tax amount in your financing, but this increases the total interest paid.
If you bring a boat into BC from another province, you must self-report and pay the PST upon registration.
Currently, BC does not offer rebates on PST for personal boat purchases.