Filing HST (harmonized sales tax) or GST (goods and services tax) is a routine part of running a business in Canada. Getting it right means avoiding penalties, keeping cash flow steady, and making sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Here’s what you need to know.

HST and GST Registration for Canadian Business Owners

HST applies to Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, while GST applies to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

Businesses earning more than $30,000 in four consecutive quarters must register for HST or GST. Below that threshold, registration is optional but can be beneficial since it allows input tax credit (ITC) claims on business expenses.

HST and GST Planning Opportunity

If your annual revenue is under $400,000, when you register for GST you can decide to use the “quick method”, which in many cases will result in less GST required to be remitted, saving the company money.

HST and GST Rates

The tax rate depends on where goods or services are sold:

• 5% GST only – Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
• HST (13-15%) – Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI
• GST + PST (filed separately) – British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

Certain items, like basic groceries and medical services, are either zero-rated or exempt.

HST and GST Filing and Payment Deadlines

Filing frequency depends on annual revenue:

• Annual filing – Under $1.5 million
• Quarterly filing – $1.5 million to $6 million
• Monthly filing – Over $6 million

Annual filers often need to make installment payments throughout the year. Missing deadlines results in interest and penalties.

Input Tax Credits (ITCs)

Registered businesses can recover the HST or GST paid on eligible business expenses. Keeping organized records of invoices and receipts ensures ITCs are not denied.

Mandatory Electronic Filing

Starting January 1, 2024, most businesses are required to file their GST or HST returns electronically. Exceptions include charities and selected listed financial institutions. Failing to file electronically can result in penalties:

• $100 for the first paper-filed return
• $250 for each subsequent paper-filed return

To file electronically, you can use:

• My Business Account – A secure CRA portal for managing your tax affairs.
• GST/HST NETFILE – An online service for filing returns directly.
• GST/HST TELEFILE – File via touch-tone telephone.
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – File through participating financial institutions.
• GST/HST Internet File Transfer – Use CRA-certified accounting software to file.

More details are available on the CRA website, canada.ca.

Common HST and GST Filing Mistakes

• Late filings or late payments leading to penalties or interest
• Charging the wrong tax rate, causing underpayments or overpayments
• Poor record-keeping, which can lead to denied ITCs during audits

Helping You Stay on Track with HST and GST Filing

HST and GST compliance is easier with a structured system for tracking sales, expenses, and deadlines. KWB Accountants and Advisors can help ensure accuracy and efficiency in your bookkeeping and accounting processes. Book an introductory meeting to learn how we can help you simplify your accounting, improve your profit, and achieve your goals.