What are the GST rates in British Columbia?

As of 2015, the Goods and Services Tax, or GST tax, rate is 5 percent for British Columbia, notes the Canada Revenue Agency. A provincial sales tax used to also apply to purchases in the province, and its removal lowered the total tax on purchases, notes the Retail Council of Canada.

The GST tax applies to many products in British Columbia, although some accept items related to groceries, education financial services, health care, transportation, medications and residential rents. For items that are taxed, some rebates are available for taxpayers who meet requires as low-income.

Before the 2013 switch to only charging GST tax, a rate of 12 percent applied to purchases in British Columbia, notes the Canada Revenue Service website.