GST/HST Registration: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you need to register for GST/HST in Canada and how it helps you claim back taxes on your business expenses.
GST/HST registration is a requirement for businesses to collect sales tax on their goods and services and send those funds to the government.
Who it's for
This is for freelancers and small business owners who earn more than $30,000 in taxable sales within a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters.
What you get
By registering, you fulfill your legal requirement to collect and send sales tax to the government. Registration also allows you to claim input tax credits, which lets you recover the GST/HST you pay on your own business-related expenses.
What it costs you
There is no fee to register. However, once you are registered, you must commit to the time required to file tax returns on either a quarterly or annual basis.
The catch to know
Even if you earn less than $30,000, you might still want to register voluntarily. Doing so allows you to claim back the taxes you pay on your business expenses, which can save you money.
How to apply
- Determine if your annual or quarterly income meets the threshold.
- Decide if you want to register voluntarily to claim back your business expenses.
- Access the official government portal to complete your registration.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html