Being charged BC HST by seller in Ontario

[tankgurl64]

I've bought something on Ebay from a seller in Ontario.  They are charging me BC HST.   I've sometimes been charged taxes when I bought something in BC, but not out of province, so I'm not sure whether I should pay it.

Looking at the auction details, it states that:

 "All Canadian purchases will be charged the applicable GST/HST Sales Tax."

Is this allowed?  And how do I know that they're actually collecting for the taxman and not putting it in their pockets?

[tankgurl64]

Oops forgot to say that I'm in BC, just in case that wasn't clear 😉

[heidilynn0_3]

Hi tankgurl.. A high volume seller and most likely registered with the Feds to collect. If registered, seller must charge and in your case HST.

Registration Business # should be on a sent invoice or you can ask for it.

[reallynicestamps]

The seller's GST # should be printed on the invoice. You can ask for the number before bidding if you like, but many will only supply it to buying customers.

In the past, seller's could only charge the GST, which is a federal tax, to other provinces.

With the HST that changed and BC sellers are charging any provinces which also have HST (except QC which is as always special.)

In addition, you may, from time to time, see US sellers charging Canadian taxes, because they have a "presence" in Canada, which may only be a warehouse.

[tankgurl64]

Thanks to all for your help.  The seller was able to provide me with the number when I requested it.

Being of a somewhat suspicious nature, I was able to check up on the number and found it was legit.

If anybody is interested in verifying tax numbers, here's the website:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/esrvc-srvce/tx/bsnss/gsthstrgstry/menu-eng.html