Is GST Going Up in 2026? Ontario HST Explained

Is GST going up in 2026? No. Ontario HST remains 13%, and the federal GST rate remains 5%, according to the CRA’s current rate table. What did go up in 2026 is the GST credit payment — see GST credit payment dates for amounts and dates.

Is the Ontario rate 5% or 13%?

For an ordinary taxable supply subject to Ontario HST, the combined rate is 13%: a 5% federal component and an 8% provincial component. The components are harmonized, so the invoice ordinarily shows HST as one tax. Whether Ontario’s rate applies depends on the supply and the place-of-supply rules. Some supplies are zero-rated or exempt; limited separate Ontario retail-sales-tax rules also exist.

What does 13% mean on an invoice?

A $1,000 pre-tax sale carries $130 HST for a $1,130 total. For the full invoice math and the ÷1.13 reverse calculation, see the Ontario HST guide or run your own numbers with the Ontario calculator; for receipt formatting, review invoice requirements.

What changed elsewhere?

Nova Scotia reduced its HST from 15% to 14%, effective April 1, 2025 (CRA Notice 342). That was a decrease in Nova Scotia only and did not change Ontario’s 13% HST. The federal GST rate itself has been 5% since January 1, 2008, when it was cut from 6% (CRA GI-041). Transition rules matter for transactions that straddle a rate-change date.

Is the GST credit going up in 2026?

Yes, in a different way than the rate above. The GST/HST credit became the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) in July 2026, with a one-time top-up for eligible recipients — this is a personal benefit payment, not a change to the 5% GST or Ontario’s 13% HST rate. For exact amounts and the 2026 payment calendar, see GST credit payment dates.

Check whether tax applies

The rate alone does not tell you whether to charge HST. For example, qualifying zero-rated supplies are taxed at 0%; exempt supplies are treated differently for input tax credits. Review the actual transaction and the zero-rated and exempt guide. For current Ontario context see the Ontario HST guide, and for the rate across Canada see the provincial rate table.

Sources

Sources checked October 17, 2026; updated October 21, 2026.