Nova Scotia approves one percent cut to harmonized sales tax starting in 2025

Nova Scotia has approved a motion to permanently reduce the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) by one percent, effective April 1, 2025. This change will lower the HST from 10 percent to 9 percent. Premier Tim Houston highlighted this reduction as a fulfillment of a campaign promise aimed at improving affordability for residents. This marks the first cut to the HST in the province's history. Once implemented, the new combined sales tax rate will be 14 percent, making it the lowest in Atlantic Canada. The other Atlantic provinces currently have an HST of 15 percent.