Upcoming PST Changes to Affect Engineering and Geoscience Services

Professional engineers and geoscientists in BC will be affected by upcoming provincial sales tax (PST) changes announced in the 2026 Budget legislation. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 16.

In its notice, the BC government outlined an expansion of PST to certain professional services, including engineering and geoscience services, effective October 1, 2026.

PST will apply to 30 percent of the purchase price of engineering and geoscience services at the standard 7 percent rate. Practitioners who provide newly taxable services may be required to register to collect and remit PST unless an exemption applies.

The registration portal to collect PST is currently open, and registration must be completed online through the BC government’s PST system.

Further details, including regulatory guidance and exemptions, are expected as the province finalizes associated regulations. Engineers and geoscientists are encouraged to review the provincial notice directly to understand how the changes may apply to their practice. 

Read the notice here.

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