Require BC to change the PST on second hand vehicles
Require BC to change the PST on second hand vehicles
Recent signers:
Caroline Thrane and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
In British Columbia, a significant issue has emerged regarding the Province's taxation of second-hand vehicles. As someone directly affected by this, I am compelled to bring attention to the unfair tax burden placed on residents who purchase used vehicles. The Province currently requires a 12% tax on these purchases—7% being the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the remaining 5% being the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This effectively creates the misconception that PST is 12% on used vehicles, allowing the government to capitalize on those unfamiliar with tax regulations, such as recent immigrants or residents who have not experienced this system in other provinces.
Adding insult to injury, this 12% tax is levied every time a vehicle changes hands. This practice of double taxing the same asset is detrimental to people who have no choice but to buy used cars amidst an affordability crisis. The PST has already been paid when the vehicle was initially purchased new. Charging the same tax again and again on subsequent sales is unreasonable and exploitative.
Statistics in British Columbia highlight an increasing reliance on second-hand vehicles. With families tightening their budgets amid high living costs, over 60% of vehicle transactions are for used vehicles, according to recent industry reports. However, the current tax policy worsens the financial strain by inflating the effective purchasing cost through repeated tax payments.
The government must address and rectify this issue. An equitable solution would be to eliminate the PST on used vehicle transactions conducted through private sales. This change would align taxation practices more closely with fairness and economic viability, supporting families struggling to make ends meet rather than profiting off their limited financial choices.
It's time for the BC government to reconsider this policy and take a stand to support its residents by implementing fairer taxation on second-hand vehicle purchases. Join me in calling for an end to the unjustified, compounded PST charges on used vehicle sales. Sign this petition to make a change and help lighten the load for countless families around BC who deserve a fair chance to access affordable transportation.
Adding insult to injury, this 12% tax is levied every time a vehicle changes hands. This practice of double taxing the same asset is detrimental to people who have no choice but to buy used cars amidst an affordability crisis. The PST has already been paid when the vehicle was initially purchased new. Charging the same tax again and again on subsequent sales is unreasonable and exploitative.
Statistics in British Columbia highlight an increasing reliance on second-hand vehicles. With families tightening their budgets amid high living costs, over 60% of vehicle transactions are for used vehicles, according to recent industry reports. However, the current tax policy worsens the financial strain by inflating the effective purchasing cost through repeated tax payments.
The government must address and rectify this issue. An equitable solution would be to eliminate the PST on used vehicle transactions conducted through private sales. This change would align taxation practices more closely with fairness and economic viability, supporting families struggling to make ends meet rather than profiting off their limited financial choices.
It's time for the BC government to reconsider this policy and take a stand to support its residents by implementing fairer taxation on second-hand vehicle purchases. Join me in calling for an end to the unjustified, compounded PST charges on used vehicle sales. Sign this petition to make a change and help lighten the load for countless families around BC who deserve a fair chance to access affordable transportation.
Kathryn CyclePetition Starter
59
Recent signers:
Caroline Thrane and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
In British Columbia, a significant issue has emerged regarding the Province's taxation of second-hand vehicles. As someone directly affected by this, I am compelled to bring attention to the unfair tax burden placed on residents who purchase used vehicles. The Province currently requires a 12% tax on these purchases—7% being the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the remaining 5% being the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This effectively creates the misconception that PST is 12% on used vehicles, allowing the government to capitalize on those unfamiliar with tax regulations, such as recent immigrants or residents who have not experienced this system in other provinces.
Adding insult to injury, this 12% tax is levied every time a vehicle changes hands. This practice of double taxing the same asset is detrimental to people who have no choice but to buy used cars amidst an affordability crisis. The PST has already been paid when the vehicle was initially purchased new. Charging the same tax again and again on subsequent sales is unreasonable and exploitative.
Statistics in British Columbia highlight an increasing reliance on second-hand vehicles. With families tightening their budgets amid high living costs, over 60% of vehicle transactions are for used vehicles, according to recent industry reports. However, the current tax policy worsens the financial strain by inflating the effective purchasing cost through repeated tax payments.
The government must address and rectify this issue. An equitable solution would be to eliminate the PST on used vehicle transactions conducted through private sales. This change would align taxation practices more closely with fairness and economic viability, supporting families struggling to make ends meet rather than profiting off their limited financial choices.
It's time for the BC government to reconsider this policy and take a stand to support its residents by implementing fairer taxation on second-hand vehicle purchases. Join me in calling for an end to the unjustified, compounded PST charges on used vehicle sales. Sign this petition to make a change and help lighten the load for countless families around BC who deserve a fair chance to access affordable transportation.
Adding insult to injury, this 12% tax is levied every time a vehicle changes hands. This practice of double taxing the same asset is detrimental to people who have no choice but to buy used cars amidst an affordability crisis. The PST has already been paid when the vehicle was initially purchased new. Charging the same tax again and again on subsequent sales is unreasonable and exploitative.
Statistics in British Columbia highlight an increasing reliance on second-hand vehicles. With families tightening their budgets amid high living costs, over 60% of vehicle transactions are for used vehicles, according to recent industry reports. However, the current tax policy worsens the financial strain by inflating the effective purchasing cost through repeated tax payments.
The government must address and rectify this issue. An equitable solution would be to eliminate the PST on used vehicle transactions conducted through private sales. This change would align taxation practices more closely with fairness and economic viability, supporting families struggling to make ends meet rather than profiting off their limited financial choices.
It's time for the BC government to reconsider this policy and take a stand to support its residents by implementing fairer taxation on second-hand vehicle purchases. Join me in calling for an end to the unjustified, compounded PST charges on used vehicle sales. Sign this petition to make a change and help lighten the load for countless families around BC who deserve a fair chance to access affordable transportation.
Kathryn CyclePetition Starter
Support now
59
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on May 6, 2026