Underbook Guides
BC private-sale vehicle PST, explained plainly.
Clear, practical guidance about Canadian Black Book values, FIN 320, vehicle appraisals, registration and refunds.
What do you need help with?
Registering a vehicleAppraisal before registrationUnderstand when an appraisal may affect the taxable value used when you register the vehicle and what documentation is required.See registration guides
Quick answers
- When do I pay Underbook?
- Only after review shows that the appraisal is worthwhile and you have seen the supported appraisal amount and estimated PST savings.
- Where do I use the completed documents?
- At registration, provide FIN 320 through your Autoplan broker. For an appraisal-based refund, the Ministry of Finance must receive your complete application — by mail or courier — within 30 days of registration.
- What if Canadian Black Book cannot determine an Average Wholesale Value?
- The wholesale-value comparison does not apply. PST is generally based on your purchase price, and an appraisal is not required for that comparison.
Understand the basics
Read these three in order for a clear introduction to the process.
Appraisal essentials
What the appraisal is, when it’s worth it, and how to prepare.
- BC vehicle PST appraisalsWhat a PST appraisal can change on a private sale.
- FIN 320 vehicle appraisalsThe form, when it applies, and how Underbook completes it.
- Is a FIN 320 appraisal worth it?When an appraisal saves more than it costs, and when it doesn’t.
- High-value vehicle PST in BCWhy PST can change by thousands near $125,000 and $150,000.
- Vehicle photo checklistThe photos the request asks for, and how to take them well.
- Vehicle appraisal document checklistWhat to gather before you start, before registration or for a refund.
- BC vehicle PST calculatorEstimate the PST, and see what an appraised value would change.
Browse all guides
All 14 guides, by topic.
Understand the tax
- How BC private-sale vehicle PST worksHow BC determines the taxable value of a privately purchased vehicle and applies PST.
- Why Canadian Black Book may affect PSTWhy BC may compare your purchase price with Canadian Black Book’s Average Wholesale Value.
- Purchase price and Average Wholesale ValueHow BC compares your purchase price with Average Wholesale Value under the applicable rules.
Rates and vehicle types
- BC vehicle PST rates: 12%, 15% and 20%How private-sale passenger-vehicle PST rates change at $125,000 and $150,000 — and how taxable value can affect the tier.
- PST on used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in BCWhat changed when the used zero-emission vehicle exemption ended, and how current private-sale PST applies.
Registration
Refunds
Your vehicle and evidence
Underbook
- How the Underbook review worksWhat happens after you submit your vehicle, and when payment is requested.
- Pricing and when payment is requestedHow Underbook decides whether an appraisal is worthwhile before requesting payment.
- Service scope and appraisal boundariesWhat Underbook does, what it does not provide, and when an appraisal may be unnecessary.
- Frequently asked questionsPlain answers about eligibility, timing, payment and completed documents.
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