Last updated: May 2026
HST in Ontario (Quick Answer)
In Ontario, businesses charge 13% HST on most goods and services.
HST combines:
- 5% federal GST
- 8% provincial tax
👉 If your customer is in Ontario, you typically charge 13% HST.
What Is HST in Ontario?
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is a combined tax that simplifies tax collection by merging federal and provincial taxes into one rate.
Instead of charging GST and a separate provincial tax, you charge one single percentage:
👉 13% total HST
Ontario HST Rate Breakdown
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| GST (Federal) | 5% |
| Ontario Provincial Tax | 8% |
| Total HST | 13% |
When Do You Charge HST in Ontario?
You charge HST if:
- You are registered for GST/HST
- Your customer is located in Ontario
- Your goods or services are taxable
👉 Always base tax on your customer’s location, not your own.
Example: HST Calculation
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Service | $100.00 |
| Subtotal | $100.00 |
| HST (13%) | $13.00 |
| Total | $113.00 |
👉 Formula:
HST = Subtotal × 0.13
Do You Always Have to Charge HST?
No — only if you are registered.
You typically need to register once your business earns:
👉 $30,000 in revenue over 12 months
Before that, you are considered a small supplier.
Common HST Mistakes
- Charging HST based on your location instead of the customer’s
- Forgetting to register after passing $30,000
- Not clearly showing HST on invoices
- Using the wrong tax rate
How to Show HST on an Invoice
Your invoice should clearly include:
- Subtotal (before tax)
- HST amount (13%)
- Total (after tax)
👉 This keeps your invoices compliant and easy to understand.
Tools to Calculate HST in Ontario
Use Lunio’s tools to simplify your calculations:
Related Guides
FAQ
What is HST in Ontario?
HST in Ontario is a combined tax of 13%, made up of 5% GST and 8% provincial tax.
Do I charge 13% HST in Ontario?
Yes, if your customer is located in Ontario and you are registered for GST/HST.
Do I charge HST if I live outside Ontario?
Yes — if your customer is in Ontario, you charge Ontario HST.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s HST system is simple once you understand the basics.
Charge 13%, apply it to your subtotal, and always base it on your customer’s location.