Budget 2026 widened BC’s PST. Some of it started on October 1, 2026, and one big piece, PST on accounting fees, was put on hold.
What changed on October 1, 2026?
BC’s budget removed several long-standing PST exemptions, and you’ll see it on everyday purchases:
- Basic cable TV, residential landlines and toll-free phone services: now taxable. The Province says this makes things fairer, since streaming and mobile alternatives were already taxable.
- Clothing patterns, yarn, natural fibres, thread and fabric commonly used to make or repair clothing: now taxable.
- Services related to clothing and footwear, like alterations and repairs: now taxable. Basic laundry services stay exempt.
PST is 7%, so a $100 cable bill picks up about $7. The budget estimated these changes at around $23 million in 2026/27, which is small compared with the bigger PST expansion described below.
What about PST on accountants, engineers and others?
The same budget planned to put PST on accounting, bookkeeping, architectural, engineering, security and some non-residential real estate services from October 1, 2026. That would have included tax return preparation.
On September 18, 2026 the Province announced it was pausing that expansion, and regulations were amended so those services stay exempt. A pause isn’t a cancellation, and no new date has been announced.
So is there PST on my tax return fees?
Not right now. As of October 31, 2026, accounting and tax preparation fees carry GST but not PST. If the Province brings the expansion back, you’d see 7% added to those fees, so we’ll post any change on our tax dates page.
Did the pause cancel the cable and clothing changes too?
As far as we can tell from the announcements, the pause covered only the professional services. The household changes above were not mentioned, so they appear to have gone ahead. Check your bills and receipts, and confirm any specific item on the BC government PST pages.
A few practical tips
- Check your cable and landline bills to see the new PST line
- If you sew, tailor or repair clothes as a hobby or side business, ask us how PST applies to your supplies
- Keep your tax return fees in your budget as GST-only for now
- Don’t assume pre-paid or bundled services were taxed the same way; read the invoice
How HJ Wu & Company Inc. helps
Not sure whether PST applies to something you buy or sell? See tax services or contact the firm.
Official sources
- BC government: Budget 2026 tax changes
- BC government: PST on accounting services
- EY Tax News: BC defers expanded sales tax rules
Reviewed October 31, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so confirm current requirements with the official sources above and speak to a CPA about your situation.
Talk to HJ Wu & Company Inc.
Phone: 604-636-1862
Email: inquiry@hjwucpa.com
512 - 938 Howe Street, Vancouver
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about HJ Wu & Company Inc. and how the firm can help. See all FAQs
As of October 31, 2026, no. BC planned to apply 7% PST to accounting and bookkeeping from October 1, 2026, but on September 18, 2026 the Province paused the expansion, so these services stay exempt for now. A pause is not a cancellation, so HJ Wu & Company Inc. keeps an eye on updates and will post any change on its tax dates page.
Yes. HJ Wu & Company Inc. prepares T1 personal tax returns, helps you figure out which tax slips you need, and looks for every deduction and credit you qualify for so you pay only what you owe. Clients with more complex situations, including foreign tax matters, have relied on the firm for years. Reach out to HJ Wu & Company Inc. for a calmer tax season.
It starts with an initial consultation, then a needs assessment, and then HJ Wu & Company Inc. builds a plan around your goals. Cost depends on what you need, whether that's a one-time tax return or ongoing bookkeeping and payroll, so the firm quotes after learning about your situation. Call 604-636-1862 or email inquiry@hjwucpa.com to book your consultation.