Happy Canada Day Everyone. Today you’re getting a gift from your government – harmonized sales tax. For some HST is considered a special gift but for many more Ontario residents HST is a gift they would rather return.

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)