B.C. pauses PST on professional services

Two weeks before it was due to take effect, British Columbia paused the planned expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services. Professional services that were exempt from PST stay exempt for now.

What was paused

The expansion would have started charging PST on a range of professional services from October 1, 2026. On September 18 the Province said it intends to delay it, citing international trade disruptions and economic uncertainty, and the Premier said the change would wait until well after the trade war is over. No new start date has been announced.

The pause is being made through a temporary regulation. The Province estimates it saves people, local governments, and businesses about $260 million in 2026-27.

Which services stay exempt

The Province's announcement lists the professional services that keep their PST exemption:

• 01Accounting and bookkeeping
• 02Architectural, geoscientist, and engineering services
• 03Non-residential real estate commissions and services
• 04Security and private investigation services

What it means for you

• 01If you provide these services: don't start charging PST on them. If you already updated invoices, price lists, or your accounting software for October 1, roll those changes back.
• 02If you registered for PST only because of the expansion: check with the Province before collecting anything, since these services remain exempt.
• 03If you buy these services: invoices from your accountant, engineer, architect, or security provider should not include PST.
• 04Keep an eye on it. This is a pause, not a cancellation. The expansion could return once the Province decides conditions allow.