The HST uses a value-added tax structure that will allow most businesses to claim input tax credits (ITC) on the 13% HST paid. This is unlike the PST which applies to many purchases made by a business and is not refunded, leaving the PST embedded in the price of the finished goods and services as a sunk cost to the business. One of the purposes of the HST is to take away the hidden tax as well as lower administrative costs incurred by businesses.