Provincial Tax: Understand how federal and provincial tax rates stack together with our Canadian Provincial Tax Guide.
Calculate the HST on purchases in New Brunswick. Enter the amount before or after tax to see the full breakdown.
New Brunswick’s 15% HST rate is among the highest in Canada, making purchases noticeably more expensive than in low-tax provinces like Alberta. Understanding how this affects major purchases—especially big-ticket items like vehicles or appliances—helps with budgeting. See our income tax calculator to understand your overall tax burden.
Quick answer: New Brunswick charges 15% HST on most purchases. A $100 item costs $115 after tax.
Sales tax in New Brunswick (2026)
New Brunswick uses the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) system at a rate of 15%, which combines:
- Federal GST: 5%
- Provincial component: 10%
Unlike provinces such as Quebec (which charges GST + QST separately) or Alberta (which charges only GST), New Brunswick applies a single combined HST on most goods and services.
New Brunswick’s 15% HST: Highest in Canada
New Brunswick’s HST rate is tied for the highest in Canada. This means a $1,000 purchase costs $150 in tax, compared to just $50 in Alberta or the territories where only 5% GST applies.
How New Brunswick HST compares to other provinces
| Province | GST | PST/HST | Total Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5% | 0% | 5% |
| Ontario | — | 13% HST | 13% |
| New Brunswick | — | 15% HST | 15% |
| Nova Scotia | — | 15% HST | 15% |
| PEI | — | 15% HST | 15% |
| Quebec | 5% GST | 9.975% QST | 14.975% |
New Brunswick’s 15% HST is among the highest sales tax rates in Canada.
What is exempt from HST in New Brunswick?
Most basic necessities are HST-exempt or zero-rated:
- Basic groceries — most unprocessed food items (milk, bread, fresh produce, meat)
- Prescription medications — prescribed drugs and certain medical devices
- Children’s clothing and footwear — items sized for children under certain thresholds may be zero-rated
- Residential rent — rental of residential property is HST-exempt
- Resale homes — HST does not apply to the purchase of an existing home (but does apply to new construction)
Prepared foods, snack foods, alcohol, and most consumer goods are subject to the full 15% HST.
HST on major purchases in New Brunswick
| Purchase Amount | HST (15%) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $7.50 | $57.50 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $115.00 |
| $500 | $75.00 | $575.00 |
| $1,000 | $150.00 | $1,150.00 |
| $10,000 | $1,500.00 | $11,500.00 |
New Brunswick HST credits and rebates
Low- and middle-income residents may qualify for the GST/HST credit, a quarterly payment from the CRA that helps offset the cost of sales tax. The amount depends on your income and family size.
New Brunswick also offers the New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, which provides additional relief for eligible residents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in New Brunswick?
15% HST, combining 5% federal GST with a 10% provincial component.
What items are exempt from HST in New Brunswick?
Basic groceries, prescription medications, residential rent, and certain children’s items.
Is the HST in New Brunswick higher than other provinces?
Yes — 15% HST is tied for the highest in Canada (with NS, NL, and PEI). Alberta charges only 5%.
Related Guides
- New Brunswick tax brackets 2026 — Provincial and federal income tax rates
- New Brunswick mortgage rates 2026 — Compare fixed and variable rates
- New Brunswick mortgage affordability calculator — What home can you afford?
- Sales tax across Canada — Compare provincial rates
- Average income in Canada — How your income compares
- New Brunswick real estate commission calculator — Commission on home sales
- New Brunswick land transfer tax calculator — Property transfer costs
- New Brunswick minimum wage 2026 — Current rates and salary conversions
- New Brunswick hourly-to-salary calculator — Convert hourly to annual salary
- Income percentile calculator — See how your income compares
- Alberta sales tax calculator — Compare to a 5% GST-only province
GST/HST/PST rates across Canada
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