Why isn't my store charging the full 13% HST on Canadian sales?

Topic summary

Merchants in Canada report orders charging only 5% GST instead of the expected 13% HST (e.g., Ontario). Some believe provinces like Ontario are missing from the tax setup list.

Key clarification:

  • Canada applies 5% GST nationally; some provinces use HST (GST + provincial portion), including Ontario.
  • In Shopify, only PST provinces (BC, Manitoba, Québec, Saskatchewan) appear separately. HST provinces don’t show because GST/HST is applied automatically once the region is added.

Suggested fixes/action:

  • Settings > Taxes and duties > Canada > Collect sales tax.
  • Add/ensure the specific region (e.g., Ontario) is selected and a tax number is entered if available.
  • If Ontario doesn’t appear, delete the existing Canada/Ontario tax configuration and re-add the region so HST auto-calculates.
  • Ensure “Enable taxes” is on; confirm regions where you’re registered.

Resources: Linked help docs on Canadian taxes and setup; screenshots provided (images central to the steps).

Current status:

  • Multiple users still seeing only 5% (including POS) and report no resolution via forum guidance.
  • Staff advise contacting authenticated Shopify Support for store-specific investigation. Discussion remains open/unresolved.
Summarized with AI on December 22. AI used: gpt-5.

I have the same issue. does anyone find the solution ?