When HST begins you will pay more sales tax on many goods and services in Ontario. That is a fact.

Here is another fact: Some purchases will see a tax decrease when HST launches in Ontario. Surprised? So were we.

While it’s not much, it is still pretty cool to know the following items will see their sales tax reduced when HST launches:

• Sports Event Admission – Going to see a professional hockey or baseball game? After HST comes to Ontario the taxes you pay on tickets will be reduced from 15% to 13%.

• Movie Theatre Tickets – In Ontario movie tickets are charged a combined 15% sales tax. When HST begins in July that tax will drop to 13%.

• Alcoholic Beverages – Current sales tax on alcohol in Ontario is 15% to 17%. HST will lower the sales tax to 13% – BUT alcohol specific taxes and fees will be changing. This is the province working to support social programs and responsible drinking.

A small drop in the sales tax on three non-essential items is nothing compared to major HST tax reform but it is still news worth sharing.

Even though the HST debate is still ongoing, it has not changed the inevitable: HST is coming to Ontario on July 1st 2010 and sales tax is going up.

Get ready for harmonized sales tax and get informed at HST Ontario.

Do you want to find out which purchases are HST exempt? Check out HST exemptions for a detailed list of items exempt from the upcoming harmonized sales tax in Ontario.