If you live in Ontario, you’ll probably have noticed TV and radio commercials pressuring consumers to “hurry up and save the HST” before July 1, 2010, when the HST becomes applicable.

Truth be told, the vast majority (83%, according to the Ontario government) of goods sold in Ontario won’t be subject to “sticker shock” like the commercials suggest. This is because for most goods, the new HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) effectively replaces both the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) and the provincial Retail Sales Tax (PST). For example, goods that are currently subject to the 5% GST and the 8% RST will become taxed at 13% under the HST after July 1, 2010. The total tax payable on these items remain 13% of the sticker price.

That being said, till the end of this month you can save on certain services that are not currently subject to the 8% PST. You may want to make a few phone calls and do a few things a few days early so you can save a bit.

For example, you may want to get the following things done in June rather than waiting until July:

• take your pets to the vet for their check-up
• get a fancy haircut (if it’s called for)
• dry clean your winter coats
• call your plumber, electrician, interior decorator, web designer, massage therapist, and any other professionals whose service you may require in the summer
• buy a house (save on commission)

Remember to act early. The closer to the deadline of  July 1, 2010, the more difficult it will be to get an appointment!

Note: Please keep in mind that this article is provided for information and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be regarded as such. The law may have changed since the publication of the article.