When does HST apply, and when does GST apply?
The 5% GST applies if the seller transfers both possession and ownership of a new home on, or after, April 1, 2013.
What about the 2% Transition Tax?
The 2% BC Transition Tax will apply to the sale of new residential homes if ownership and possession take place on or after April 1, 2013 and the construction or substantial renovation of the new home is 10% or more complete as of April 1, 2013.
The 2% tax ceseases to apply if ownership and possession are on or after April 1, 2015. The 2% reflects an embedded PST builders pay on materials (construction inputs). Under the HST, builders can write off that embedded 2%, but they cannot under the GST.
The PST and real estate commissions
The return to the PST will affect the taxes REALTORS® charge on their services.
• If a commission or fee is payable on or after April 1, 2013,then the 5% GST applies.