Alberta Sales Tax Rate
Complete guide to sales tax in Alberta (AB) for 2026. Combined rate: 5%.
Combined Rate
5%
GST Only (Federal)
Federal (GST)
5%
Provincial
None
Tax on $100
$5.00
Tax Rate Breakdown
Before and After Tax in Alberta
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at 5% combined rate
| Before Tax | GST (5%) | Total Tax | After Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $105.00 |
| $500.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $525.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $1,050.00 |
| $5,000.00 | $250.00 | $250.00 | $5,250.00 |
Tax-Inclusive Price Breakdown
If the total price already includes tax, here is how it breaks down
| Total (incl. tax) | Tax Included | Price Before Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | $4.76 | $95.24 |
| $500.00 | $23.81 | $476.19 |
| $1,000.00 | $47.62 | $952.38 |
| $5,000.00 | $238.10 | $4,761.90 |
Sales Tax Comparison Across Canada
How Alberta's 5% rate compares to other provinces
| Province | Tax Type | Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta (AB) | GST | 5% | $50.00 | -- |
| Northwest Territories (NT) | GST | 5% | $50.00 | -- |
| Nunavut (NU) | GST | 5% | $50.00 | -- |
| Yukon (YT) | GST | 5% | $50.00 | -- |
| Saskatchewan (SK) | GST+PST | 11% | $110.00 | +6% |
| British Columbia (BC) | GST+PST | 12% | $120.00 | +7% |
| Manitoba (MB) | GST+PST | 12% | $120.00 | +7% |
| Ontario (ON) | HST | 13% | $130.00 | +8% |
| Nova Scotia (NS) | HST | 14% | $140.00 | +9% |
| Quebec (QC) | GST+QST | 14.975% | $149.75 | +9.975% |
| New Brunswick (NB) | HST | 15% | $150.00 | +10% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) | HST | 15% | $150.00 | +10% |
| Prince Edward Island (PE) | HST | 15% | $150.00 | +10% |
Sales Tax in Alberta: A Complete Guide
Alberta is one of only four Canadian jurisdictions that charges no provincial sales tax. Residents and businesses in the province pay only the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases, making Alberta the most tax-friendly province for consumer spending in Canada.
The absence of a provincial sales tax has been a cornerstone of Alberta's economic identity for decades. This policy is partly supported by the province's resource royalties from oil and gas production, which have historically provided significant government revenue without the need for a retail sales tax. For businesses, operating in Alberta means simpler tax compliance since they only need to remit GST to the Canada Revenue Agency rather than managing a separate provincial filing.
Alberta has never implemented a provincial sales tax since joining Confederation in 1905. Multiple provincial governments have pledged to keep it that way, and the Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act requires a province-wide referendum before any sales tax can be introduced. Combined with no provincial capital gains surtax, Alberta remains an attractive jurisdiction for both consumers and investors. Cross-border shoppers from neighbouring British Columbia and Saskatchewan frequently travel to Alberta for major purchases to save on provincial sales tax.