Nova Scotia sales tax rate
| Tax | Rate | Administered by |
|---|---|---|
| HST, federal part | 5% | Canada Revenue Agency |
| HST, provincial part | 9% | |
| Combined | 14% |
price before tax = total ÷ (1 + 14 ÷ 100)
Nova Scotia cut its HST from 15% to 14% on April 1, 2025. Receipts from before then show 15%.
Common prices plus tax in Nova Scotia
| Price before tax | HST | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $1.40 | $11.40 |
| $20.00 | $2.80 | $22.80 |
| $50.00 | $7.00 | $57.00 |
| $100.00 | $14.00 | $114.00 |
| $250.00 | $35.00 | $285.00 |
| $500.00 | $70.00 | $570.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $140.00 | $1,140.00 |
| $5,000.00 | $700.00 | $5,700.00 |
For any other amount, type it into the calculator above. Choose Remove tax to work backwards from a receipt total.
Nova Scotia sales tax rate history
| Tax | Rate | In effect |
|---|---|---|
| HST | 14% | Since Apr 1, 2025 |
| HST | 15% | Jul 1, 2010 – Mar 31, 2025 |
The rate that applies is the one in force when the tax became payable, which is usually the invoice or payment date, so older receipts may show a previous rate.
Registering and collecting tax in Nova Scotia
HST is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Businesses register, charge and remit it through a single GST/HST account. Most businesses must register for GST/HST once their worldwide taxable sales pass $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. For GST/HST, sellers based elsewhere in Canada charge the rate of the province the goods are delivered to, so a sale shipped to Nova Scotia carries Nova Scotia's GST/HST rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia charges 14% HST (5% federal + 9% provincial), for a combined rate of 14%.
How do I calculate HST in Nova Scotia?
Multiply the pre-tax price by 0.14 to get the tax, or by 1.14 to get the total. For example, $100.00 plus 14% tax is $114.00.
How do I remove HST from a total in Nova Scotia?
Divide the tax-inclusive total by 1.14. For example, $114.00 divided by 1.14 is $100.00 before tax, so the tax was $14.00.
Who administers sales tax in Nova Scotia?
HST is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Businesses register, charge and remit it through a single GST/HST account.
When did the sales tax rate in Nova Scotia last change?
The current rate of 14% has applied since Apr 1, 2025.