How do I charge taxes for my product/service?

When it comes to charging taxes for your products or services in Canada, understanding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is essential. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process.

Understanding GST/HST

In Canada, the GST is a federal tax that applies to most goods and services sold or provided. The HST combines the federal GST with provincial sales taxes in participating provinces. The rates vary depending on where your customer is located:

5% GST: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

13% HST: Ontario.

15% HST: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

If you're selling to customers in Canada, you'll need to determine the appropriate tax rate based on their location⁴.

Registering for GST/HST

If your business's taxable revenues exceed $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters, you must register for a GST/HST account. Once registered, you are required to charge and collect GST/HST on your taxable supplies³ ⁴.

How to Charge GST/HST

Determine the Taxable Supply: Most goods and services are taxable, but some are exempt. Check if your product or service qualifies as a taxable supply.

Add the Tax: When you invoice your customers, clearly indicate the applicable GST/HST on their purchase. You can either include it in the total price or show it as a separate line item on the invoice⁵.

Provide Proper Documentation: Ensure your invoices include:

Remitting the Collected Tax

You are responsible for remitting the GST/HST you collect to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is done through regular GST/HST returns, which you must file based on your reporting period (monthly, quarterly, or annually) depending on your sales volume.

If the total GST/HST you collected exceeds the input tax credits (ITCs) you can claim (the tax you paid on business purchases), you will remit the difference to the CRA.

If your ITCs exceed the GST/HST collected, you can claim a refund¹ ³.

Special Considerations for E-commerce

If your business operates online, the same rules apply. You must charge GST/HST on digital products and services sold to Canadian consumers. This includes items like e-books, online subscriptions, and mobile apps. The tax rate will depend on the customer's location, similar to physical goods³ ⁴.

Conclusion

Charging taxes for your products or services in Canada involves understanding the GST/HST framework, registering your business, accurately charging the tax, and remitting it to the CRA. By following these steps, you can ensure compliance and avoid potential issues with tax authorities. For more detailed information, you can visit the CRA's official resources on GST/HST for businesses¹ ² ⁴.

Rotaru CPA