With the deadline for the re-implementation of PST weeks away, more than a few members of the Peninsula’s business community expressed uncertainty about what the change will entail.
At an information session hosted by the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce at the Rotary Field House Monday, more than 50 members of the business community viewed a PowerPoint slideshow presented by the Ministry of Finance’s Mark Williams and Preet Rai.
While there were a number of points addressed during the hour-long presentation, there was still some confusion from the crowd about the changes set to occur when the province switches back from HST to PST (and GST federally) on April 1.
Questions ranged from which products would still be taxable under the “revamped” PST, to concerns about products that straddled the looming deadline.
For the bulk of the questions, attendees were directed to the provincial government’s website (www.gov.bc.ca/pst) which would have the details needed. The speakers said they could not address GST questions.
While there were some announcements that elicited approval from the crowed – such as remittance for PST lining up with GST – others, such as the new 12 per cent tax for private sales of vehicles to anyone who is not a direct family member, received an unenthusiastic response.
There are still more than 100,000 businesses in the province who need to register for the PST before April 1.
Applicants are directed to the website to fill out the form online, or can request a paper copy to be mailed.
For more information about the upcoming changes, visit www.gov.bc.ca/PST, call 1-877-388-4440 or email CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca