BC PST Filings

Depends on the service and customer location-review required. BC PST applies to certain taxable services, and whether PST is charged depends on the specific service type and where your customer is located. Some online services are taxable in BC, while others may be exempt. The rules can be complex, especially for digital services, software, and online platforms. We review your specific services to determine correct PST applicability based on current BC PST rules and your customer locations. However, PST rules can change, and classification depends on specific service characteristics, so we provide guidance based on current rules and your situation rather than guarantees of specific classifications.

Yes-we manage registration and returns. We assist with BC PST registration, ensuring your business is properly registered with the province when required. We handle the registration process, coordinate with provincial authorities, and ensure your registration is set up correctly. We also manage ongoing PST return preparation and filing, ensuring returns are filed on time and accurately. However, registration requirements depend on your sales volume and business activities, and some businesses may not be required to register. We review your situation to determine if registration is required and assist with the process if needed. Registration and return filing depend on timely information from you and provincial processing times, so we coordinate efficiently but cannot guarantee specific processing timelines.

Invoices, exemptions, and proof of out-of-province sales. You must maintain proper records including invoices showing PST collected or exemptions applied, reseller exemption certificates from suppliers, customer exemption certificates where applicable, and proof of out-of-province sales such as customer addresses and shipping records. You should also keep records of bundled sales showing separation of taxable and exempt portions, PST return copies and payment records, and registration documents and correspondence with the province. Proper record keeping is essential for compliance and audit readiness. Records should be maintained for the period required by provincial regulations, typically several years. Without proper records, you may be unable to support exemptions claimed or prove out-of-province sales, which can lead to assessments and penalties during audits.

Common PST exemptions include reseller exemptions for goods purchased for resale, exemptions for sales to certain organizations, and exemptions for out-of-province sales. Reseller exemptions require valid exemption certificates from suppliers showing the goods are purchased for resale. Customer exemptions may apply to sales to certain organizations or for specific purposes, and these typically require exemption certificates from customers. Out-of-province sales are exempt from BC PST, but you must maintain proper documentation showing the customer's location outside BC. Documentation requirements vary by exemption type, but generally include exemption certificates, customer addresses, shipping records, and other evidence supporting the exemption. Proper documentation is critical because exemptions must be supported during audits. Without proper documentation, exemptions may be disallowed, resulting in assessments for PST that should have been collected. We help you understand available exemptions, obtain proper documentation, and maintain records for audit readiness.

PST audit readiness requires maintaining complete and organized records, proper classification of goods and services, and clear documentation of exemptions and out-of-province sales. Evidence needed includes invoices showing PST collected or exemptions applied, exemption certificates from suppliers and customers, proof of out-of-province sales such as customer addresses and shipping records, records of bundled sales showing separation of taxable and exempt portions, PST return copies and payment records, and registration documents. During audits, provincial authorities may review your records to verify PST collection, exemptions claimed, and out-of-province sales. Without proper evidence, exemptions may be disallowed and out-of-province sales may be treated as taxable, resulting in assessments for PST, penalties, and interest. We help you maintain proper records, organize documentation for audit readiness, and provide support during audits. However, audit outcomes depend on the completeness of your records, the accuracy of your classifications, and provincial interpretation of rules, so we provide guidance and support rather than guarantees of specific audit results.