An early start to the HST

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The HST doesn’t officially kick in until July 1st, but the tax is getting an early start on some items this Saturday. HST will hit items people usually buy in advance like gym memberships, airline fares, season tickets to sports or theatre events, and summer camps.

Chartered accountant Jack Arnold isn’t expecting consumers to rush out this week to save money. “Do they consciously think now ‘If I don’t’ pay for this early I am going to pay an extra seven per cent to travel?’ I don’t think we even think that way, cash is still cash.”

While some may renew their memberships or subscriptions Arnold says most people will probably just end up getting dinged. “They’re saying ‘Well what am I really going to prepay, yes I have heard this but what am I going to prepay today that is going to take place in July or August?’ That’s the issue right there. How much of a difference is it going to make to them.”

Arnold adds overall understanding of the tax seems to be pretty low.

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