The Ontario HST tax reform is around the corner. HST launches on July 1st. Many goods & services will see no tax change, a few will actually see HST lower sales tax and some will see an HST tax increase.

HST Ontario has put together a list of all the major upcoming tax changes in Ontario. Here is: A Detailed Guide to HST Changes in Ontario

• Domestic Airfare – Any domestic air travel that originates from Ontario will see a tax increase. Airfare in Ontario is presently taxed GST only, after July 1 all flights leaving Ontario will be subject to HST.
• Domestic Rail – Traveling along the rails will cost you more sales tax. Rail fare originating from Ontario will increase to thirteen percent when harmonized sales tax starts in July.

While there is a very heated HST debate happening in Ontario, the reality is – HST is coming to Ontario. While the majority of goods and services in Ontario will not see a tax increase from HST, some will.

Here is a list of common services that will be affected by harmonized sales tax in Ontario.

• Internet access will increase from 5% GST to the full 13% HST
• Airfare, bus & taxi travel origination from Ontario will be taxed HST
• Hairstyling and hair cuts will be taxed HST in Ontario
• Hotel accommodations
• Legal services will be taxed HST (legal aid is HST exempt)
• Natural gas will be subject to harmonized sales tax
• Electricity in Ontario is subject to HST
• Gym memberships will be subject to HST (sports and athletic memberships included)
• Accountants will have to tax you HST in Ontario
• Real estate commission is now taxed HST
• Lawn care, landscaping and snow removal services
• More (This is not a complete list of services subject to HST)

While some items will remain exempt from HST in Ontario, many items will see an increase in sales tax and the inclusion of HST. We’ve compiled a list of the most notable changes.

The following items will be subject to HST in Ontario:

• Gasoline is subject to HST in Ontario
• Heating fuels in Ontario will be taxed HST
• Tobacco will be subject to HST in Ontario
• Quit smoking aids (nicotine gum etc.)
• Newspaper & magazines subscriptions
• Fast food items exceeding $4.00 will be taxed HST
• New houses over $400,000 will be subject to HST tax
• Vitamins will be subject to HST along with natural health products
• Used vehicles sold by private sale
• More (This is not a complete list)