Vehicle appraisal in BC: pay PST on what your car is really worth

Do I need a vehicle appraisal?

You probably need one if:

• You bought the car privately and paid less than the Black Book value.
• The car is worth less than book because of high kilometres, damage, mechanical problems, or wear, and you can show why with photos.
• You brought the car into BC from outside Canada and it is worth less than book.
• You already registered, paid tax on the book value, and it has been less than 30 days.

You can skip it if:

• You paid the Black Book value or more. An appraisal can’t bring the tax below what you paid.
• The car was a gift from a close family member and qualifies for the family gift exemption (form FIN 319). See our gifting guide.
• Your price and the book value are close, so the tax saved would be small.
• More than 30 days have passed since you registered.

Not sure? Try the free tax calculator. If your car isn’t listed in Black Book, check the Ministry of Finance notice (Notice 2022-005) at gov.bc.ca or ask your Autoplan broker.

How the tax is worked out

Since October 1, 2022, PST on most private sales in BC, and on vehicles brought in from outside Canada, is charged on the higher of two numbers: the price you paid, or the Canadian Black Book average wholesale value. That is why a fair, low price on paper can still bring a tax bill based on a higher book number.

A signed appraisal on form FIN-320 changes this only when both your price and the appraised value are below book. Then the tax follows the higher of your price and the appraised value. The rules are in Ministry of Finance Notice 2022-005 and Bulletin PST 308. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.

Situations where people get one

• Private sale below book: you paid a fair price, but kilometres, damage, or wear put the real value under Black Book.
• Gifts and family transfers: a gift between close family members may be tax-free with form FIN 319 (a different form). If no exemption applies, or book is far too high for the car’s condition, an appraisal can show a fair value. Read our gifting guide and confirm with your Autoplan broker.
• Cars brought in from outside Canada: the same higher-of rule applies. A cheap, high-kilometre, or damaged car bought elsewhere is a common reason to get an appraisal. More on our out-of-province appraisal page.
• Already registered without an appraisal: you may still get some tax back, but only within 30 days (see the refund section below).

Using FIN-320 when you register, step by step

1. Check your numbers with the free tax calculator so you know an appraisal is worth it.
2. Get an appraisal, in person or remotely, from someone allowed to sign form FIN-320: a registered motor dealer, or a person whose business is appraising vehicles. Remote appraisals are allowed under Notice 2022-005.
3. Bring the signed FIN-320 to your Autoplan broker with your transfer papers. For what goes on the form, line by line, see our FIN-320 form guide.
4. If both your price and the appraised value are below book, the tax follows the higher of those two. If either one is at or above book, the tax stays on the higher of your price and book. With no FIN-320, the tax is on the higher of your price and book.

Already paid? The 30-day refund

If you registered without a FIN-320 and paid tax on the book value, you may be able to get part of it back. Send the refund application (form FIN-355/MV) together with a completed FIN-320 to the Ministry of Finance.

The key point: both forms must be received within 30 days of the date you registered the car. Received, not just mailed. Both your price and the appraised value must also be below book. Get the official forms from gov.bc.ca (linked in the sources below).

FIN-320 shows the car’s value. FIN-355/MV asks for the refund. You need both.

What it costs, and why check with us first

• Check before you pay anyone. Many people don’t need an appraisal at all. The free calculator tells you in a minute, with no email needed.
• Price and status, plainly. Our remote appraisal is expected to cost about $89, and it is coming soon, not open yet. Other remote appraisal services in BC often charge about $75 to $129 or more.
• The math, as an example only. At the 12% PST rate that applies to most private-sale cars, every $1,000 the book value is too high costs about $120 in tax. For example, if you paid $6,000, book says $9,000, and an appraisal agrees the car is worth $6,000, the $3,000 gap is about $360 in tax. This is an example, not a promise. Exact rates are in our used-car tax guide.
• Help with the 30-day refund. Already registered? The refund clock is short. The section above lists exactly what to send.
• Independent. We are not ICBC, not a dealer, and not an insurer. No sales calls.
• Need it this week? We’re not open yet; a live appraiser can do it now. Our free tools and refund steps are still here for you.