Self-assessed PST on purchases (use tax)

A buyer of business assets meets self-assessment when the seller does not collect PST, for example a seller that is not a collector or a business closing down. This entry covers British Columbia and Saskatchewan; check the rules where you are.

British Columbia

The BC Ministry of Finance says that if the seller is not a collector or does not charge PST on the taxable assets, the purchaser must self-assess and remit the PST due on their next PST return. A purchaser without a PST number uses a Casual Remittance Return (FIN 405) by the last day of the month following the month the taxable items were purchased.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan says businesses must self-assess and remit PST directly to the Ministry of Finance when they buy assets from a supplier who did not collect it, such as a non-resident supplier or a business ceasing operations. PST due on later purchases of business assets is reported on the “Net Tax on Consumption” line of the regular return.

See liability for a seller’s unpaid provincial sales tax and PST clearance certificates.