Reporting and paying security for tobacco wholesalers

Reporting and filing returns

Effective for the reporting periods that start on or after February 1, 2024, all tobacco wholesalers must file returns online using eTaxBC. 

Log on to eTaxBC

Returns are considered on time if they're submitted through eTaxBC by 11:59 pm (Pacific time) on the due date. 

If you do not have an eTaxBC account, you can enrol for access to eTaxBC.

You may choose to pay your security separately through your bank.

Payments

Payments must be made in Canadian dollars. 

The easiest way to pay is through eTaxBC. Payments are considered on time if they're submitted to eTaxBC by 11:59 pm (Pacific time) on the due date. 

Log on to eTaxBC

If you choose not to pay using eTaxBC, you can make account payments: 

By mail or courier

Your payment will be considered on time if the envelope is postmarked by Canada Post on or before the due date. A business postage meter mark is not sufficient. 

Payments are accepted by cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance. Write your account number on your payment so your account can be easily identified when your payment is processed. Do not send cash.

We will not accept payments by international bank draft of less than $500 Canadian. Bank drafts under $500 will be returned to you and you will need to make alternate payment arrangements.

Send your payment to either the:

• Mailing Address

Tobacco Tax
Ministry of Finance
PO Box 9442 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.  V8W 9V4

• Courier Address

Tobacco Tax
Ministry of Finance
1802 Douglas Street
Victoria, B.C.  V8T 4K6

At a government office

You can submit your payment at one of the following locations:

• Service BC Centre
  Payments by cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance are accepted.

• 1802 Douglas Street in Victoria (drop box only)
  Payments by cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance are accepted. Cash, debit and credit card payments are not accepted.

Payments through your bank

To be considered on time the payment must be posted to the Province of B.C. on or before the due date.

Bill payment service

Most banks and financial institutions offer bill payment services for their clients. Bill payment services can generally be accessed through your online banking account, an automated teller machine (ATM), telephone banking or in person with a teller.

To pay security using a bill payment service you need our payee name and your tobacco wholesale account number. You should be able to find us listed with your bank under "BC - TOBACCO TAX". Some banks and financial institutions will use a variation of the payee names above. If you cannot find us, call your bank for assistance.

Your tobacco wholesale account number (TWS-XXXX-XXXX) is listed on your permit.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT)

To successfully submit a tobacco security payment through EFT, you must:

1. Make the payment in Canadian dollars
2. Provide your bank our account information
3. Validate your payment by sending us your payment details

Account information (EFT)

Provide your bank the following account information:

• Beneficiary name: Province of British Columbia
• Ministry address: Ministry of Finance, 1802 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8T 4K6
• Bank name: Bank of Montreal
• Bank address: 1225 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8W 2E6
• Beneficiary account number: 1150 072
• Bank number: 0001
• Transit number: 00120
• Description or reference field: Tobacco tax vendor EFT remittance account

Wire payment

To successfully submit a tobacco security payment through wire payment, you must:

1. Make the payment in Canadian dollars
2. Provide your bank our account information (applicable to tobacco tax payments only)
3. Validate your payment by sending us your payment details

Account information (wire payment)

Provide your bank the following account information:

• Beneficiary name: Province of British Columbia
• Ministry address: Ministry of Finance, 1802 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8T 4K6
• Bank name: Bank of Montreal
• Bank address: 1225 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8W 2E6
• Beneficiary account number: 1150 072
• Bank number: 0001
• Transit number: 00120
• Bank code: 00121150072
• Swift: BOFMCAM2
• Description or reference field: Tobacco tax vendor EFT remittance account

You must validate your payment by sending us the following payment details:

• The eTaxBC confirmation number
• Your TWS account number
• The amount you deposited
• The return period the payment is for

You can send the payment details through:

• Fax at 250-405-4415; or
• Email at RSBCClientCare@gov.bc.ca

If you do not validate your payment, we cannot match your payment to your account. This may result in late payment penalties and interest may be charged.