British Columbia has updated its Provincial Sales Tax (PST) guidance for refunds on certain goods, including boats, non-turbine and non-electric aircraft, and vehicles acquired from non-registrants, to reflect changes announced in its 2024 budget.
Purchasers may now apply for PST refunds under the following conditions:
- The purchase was made from a non-registrant or non-collector;
- A self-assessment of PST was made on the purchase price; and
- A partial or complete refund of the purchase price was received from the seller.
The amount eligible for a refund will be the PST attributable to the purchase price amount refunded or credited by the seller. A vehicle, boat, or aircraft no longer must be returned to the vendor within 30 days of the purchase to qualify for a refund.
In addition, the province has clarified that a refund is available where a vehicle is imported or acquired in a private sale, PST is paid on the average wholesale value of the vehicle upon registration, and the purchaser believes that the vehicle had a lower value. However, where a lower value can be supported by an appraisal performed by a qualified appraiser, a refund application and completed appraisal using Motor Vehicle Appraisal Form FIN 320 must be received by the ministry within 30 days of the vehicle registration date. Eligible refunds will be calculated based on the difference between the value on which tax was paid and the lower appraised value.
For further information on these refunds, please refer to the following publications:
- British Columbia Bulletin PST 108, Boats;
- British Columbia Bulletin PST 134, Aircraft;
- British Columbia Bulletin PST 308, PST on Vehicles; and
- British Columbia Bulletin PST 400, PST Refunds.