Welcome to the website dedicated to
information about GST/HST and
registration of GST/HST accounts

The purpose of this website is

• To provide detailed information about GST/HST tax.
• To facilitate registration of GST/HST accounts with the Canada Revenue Agency.
• To assist Self-employed individuals, Small Businesses and Corporations with GST/HST registration.

If you are looking for information about GST/HST, please feel free to browse through various topics on this website.

If you are interested strictly in registration for a GST/HST account, please click the Order GST/HST Number link to be transferred to the secure server where you can place your order.

What is the GST/HST Number?
Most persons and organizations engaged in commercial activities in Canada who have worldwide, taxable sales of more than $30,000 over any four or fewer consecutive calendar quarters must register for and collect the Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). All taxi and limousine operators must register for GST/HST, regardless of their revenues.

What is the Federal Business Number (BN)?
The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is used to unify all accounts a business may have with the federal government. The BN is used to operate corporate income tax, import/export accounts, payroll deductions, GST/HST and other government accounts.

When should I apply for the Federal Business Number (BN)?
Registration should take place after the company has been registered. We can assist you with both, the business registration and the GST registration at the same time.

General Information about GST/HST
Most goods and services sold or provided in Canada are taxable at the rate of 5% (GST).

The GST/HST applies to most transactions from manufacturing to marketing and sales. Businesses and organizations registered for the GST/HST are referred to as registrants.

Registrants can claim a credit to recover the GST/HST that is paid or payable on purchases used to provide taxable goods and services. This credit is called an input tax credit (ITC) and can be claimed for the GST/HST paid or payable for goods or services acquired or imported for use, consumption or supply in their commercial (taxable) activities.

GST/HST registrants who provide taxable goods or services have to charge and collect the GST/HST on their sales. If the GST/HST collected is greater than the GST/HST paid or payable, the difference is sent to the CRA. If the GST collected is less than the GST/HST paid or payable, a refund can be claimed.

Do I need to register for GST/HST (Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax)?
While it is not mandatory for most businesses to register and collect HST until 29 days following the single calendar quarter or four consecutive calendar quarters in which they first exceed worldwide sales of $30,000, we generally recommend that any business register as soon as possible.

Three reasons to register:
1. Unless you are a GST/HST registrant you cannot claim GST/HST input tax credits (GST/HST paid on business expenditures). If you are a GST/HST registrant and your input tax credits exceed GST/HST collected on sales, you may claim a refund of the excess from Canada Revenue Agency. If you're not a registrant the GST/HST paid on expenses is included as part of the expense when computing net income.

2. Not being registered for GST/HST tells everyone that you are running a truly small business. (Your sales are below $30,000 per year) If your customers are other businesses, they expect to pay GST/HST.

3. Companies that are required to register for GST/HST must remit the GST/HST tax to Canada Revenue Agency - even if it has not been collected from the customer. By registering for GST/HST upon starting your business you will eliminate the possibility of inadvertently surpassing the $30,000 threshold and being exposed to penalties and interest charges for noncompliance

You have two options when registering for GST/HST number:

Option # 1
You can always visit your local Canada Revenue Agency office and complete the registration form. Please make sure that you fully understand the questions on the registration form and answer them correctly. It is quite difficult to change certain information once it is recorded. (You may have to wait for up to one year). Also, be prepared for delays due to the workload.

Option # 2
We can easily assist you with registration. You can visit our office or submit your information online or by fax. If you are wondering why should you let us help you with registration, the answer is simple.

• You do not have to take any time from your busy schedule to do the registration.
• If you are located in a small town, there is no need to travel, just order online.
• We have the expertise to complete the registration in the way that best suits your needs.
• We work for you, not the government.
• For a small fee of $35.00 (plus tax) we will do all the necessary work for you. This fee applies to self-employed, sole proprietors and partnerships. The registration fee for corporations is $45, plus tax.
• We can help you with the next step – GST/HST report preparation.
  

Submit your GST/HST registration online.

Download Consent form in pdf format.

As always, it is up to you to decide to do the work the easy way or the hard way. In any case, we are always available to answer your questions. Feel free to contact us by e-mail or telephone, at the numbers listed below.