Frequently asked questions

Since October 1, 2022, PST on a private used-vehicle sale in BC is charged on the higher of the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale value in the Canadian Black Book. The Black Book figure is an average, so it doesn't account for your vehicle's kilometres, damage or mechanical condition.

If your purchase price and the appraised value are both below the Black Book average wholesale value, PST is charged on the higher of your purchase price and the appraised value, not on Black Book.

On a private sale, passenger vehicles are taxed at 12% under $125,000 and 20% at $125,000 or more. Most non-passenger vehicles, like commercial trucks and vans, are 12% at any price. Dealer sales use different rates. Check Bulletin PST 308 at gov.bc.ca for current rates.

No. PST is never charged on less than what you paid. The appraisal helps when you paid less than Black Book because the vehicle is worth less.

Some transfers, like certain gifts between close family members, may be exempt from PST. Ask your Autoplan broker before ordering an appraisal.

The FIN 320 Motor Vehicle Appraisal is the BC Ministry of Finance form that records a vehicle's appraised value for PST. You may also see it written as FIN-320 or FIN320. It's the form we complete and sign for you. More about the FIN 320.

No. It must be completed by a registered motor dealer or a professional vehicle appraiser, not by the buyer or seller.

Yes. People call it a PST appraisal, a vehicle appraisal form or a FIN 320. They all mean the signed Motor Vehicle Appraisal form you use to lower PST on a private sale.

The form must be completed by a qualified appraiser, and ours is. Bring it to your Autoplan broker when you register, printed or on your phone, along with your other transfer documents.

BC's appraisal form (FIN 320) must be completed by a registered motor dealer or a professional vehicle appraiser. Ours are completed and signed by a qualified appraiser using your photos and information.

We look at the year, make, model and trim, kilometres, condition, the damage and problems you report, repair quotes, and what similar vehicles sell for. The value we give is our honest opinion of the vehicle's fair market value.

No. If your vehicle is in average or better condition for its age and kilometres, the appraisal may be close to or above Black Book. We appraise what the vehicle is actually worth.

Not necessarily. It could be higher or lower than your purchase price. Remember, PST is charged on whichever of the two is higher.

Usually within 1 hour of payment. If we need more photos or information, we'll email you, and the clock starts again once we have them.

A completed and signed Motor Vehicle Appraisal form (FIN 320), a detailed appraisal certificate, and instructions for your next step, all as PDFs by email. If you've already registered, we also send the FIN 355/MV PST refund application.

No. Dealer sales are taxed on the price you paid, so an appraisal won't help. We only do private sales in BC.

Order your appraisal, then bring it to any Autoplan broker when you register. PST is worked out on the lower value at the counter. Step by step.

Yes, if you act quickly. We email you the FIN 320 appraisal and the FIN 355/MV refund application. Sign and send them to the BC Ministry of Finance within 30 days of the registration date. Step by step.

That's up to the Ministry of Finance, not us. Contact them if you have questions about a refund you've already sent.

$70 plus GST (+ $3.50 GST (5%) = $73.50 total). One flat fee, whatever the vehicle. See how much you could save.

By credit or debit card through Stripe when you submit the form. We never see your full card number.

See our terms of service for our refund policy. If you change your mind before we start the appraisal, email us.

Email Support@PSTAppraisal.ca with your reference number (it starts with VA-) and we'll fix it before the appraisal is done.