With implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) just around the corner, the Province would like to encourage Island businesses to make use of the information and tools available online to help with transition to the new system, says Minister of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs, Wes Sheridan.

“Our aim is to make this transition as smooth as possible,” said the minister. “All of the information businesses need for transition is available on our website. We have posted a series of tax guides and a detailed HST readiness checklist to help business owners get ready for the first of April.”

Material developed by the Province to support implementation of the HST is easily accessible on the Provincial website at www.peihst.ca. The transition to the HST will make Prince Edward Island more competitive, accelerate economic growth and attract more investment to the Island.

Some key tax guides business owners may want to review include:

• RTG:185 Implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax in Prince Edward Island (General Transitional Rules)

• RTG:190 Prepare for the HST: Returned or Exchanged Goods

• RTG:192 Prepare for the HST: Accounting and System Changes

• RTG:197 Point-of-Sale Rebates for Prince Edward Island HST

• RTG:193 Prepare for the HST: Important Dates to Remember

• RTG:194 Winding Down the Prince Edward Island Revenue Tax

Anyone with questions regarding the winding down of the provincial sales tax (PST) or the transitional process can call the Taxation and Property Records Division of the Department of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs at 902-368-4171.

The HST is a federal tax administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you have specific questions on how the HST applies to your business or whether a good or service is taxable under the HST, contact CRA at 1-800-959-5525.