Thank you for your e-mail.
You will not have to pay Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on a vehicle you bring into BC as long as you have:
-lived outside of the province for at least six consecutive months, and
-owned, physically possessed, and used your vehicle for at least thirty days before moving to BC, and
-brought your vehicle into the province within six months after having moved here
Also, the vehicle must be registered in your name as a private individual and be used primarily for personal or private purposes.
If you do not qualify for an exemption, PST will be assessed, based on the value of your vehicle; the rate of tax differs, depending on that value. For passenger vehicles, here are the rates of tax that currently apply, as of October 21, 2004:
VALUE TAX RATE
Less than $47,000 7%
$47,000 or more, but less than $48,000 8%
$48,000 or more, but less than $49,000 9%
$49,000 or more 10%
The website of the Consumer Taxation Branch has more information about PST as it applies to new residents bringing items, including vehicles, into BC at
http://www.rev.gov.bc.ca/ctb/publications/bulletins/sst_075.pdf You can find more information for motorists who are moving to BC at
http://www.icbc.com/Insurance/insura_getsta_howbuy_moving2.html.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
ICBC - Customer Contact