B.C. Pauses PST Expansion on Professional Services
The B.C. government has announced it will pause the planned expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services, which was scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
The pause comes in response to ongoing international trade disruptions and economic uncertainty, giving businesses, local governments, and other organizations more flexibility to manage costs.
What This Means for Businesses
The PST exemption for professional services will remain in place while the expansion is paused. This includes services such as:
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Architectural services
- Geoscience and engineering services
- Non-residential real estate commissions and services
- Security and private investigation services
The Province estimates the pause will result in approximately $260 million in savings in 2026-27 for people, businesses and local governments.
The PST expansion will be paused through a temporary regulation.
“We’re pleased to see the Province pause the planned PST expansion on professional services. The Burnaby Board of Trade has advocated for this, and we know it will provide welcome relief and certainty for businesses already navigating a challenging economic environment. We’ll continue to make sure the voice of our business community is heard.”
Angie Whitfield
President & CEO, Burnaby Board of Trade
The Burnaby Board of Trade will continue to monitor developments and keep our members informed as more information becomes available.
Read the Province of B.C.’s announcement
Please note: Businesses should consult the Province of B.C. for detailed guidance on how the temporary pause applies to their specific circumstances.