Thinking about getting a GST/HST number in Canada, but not sure where to start?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) apply to goods and services you sell in Canada. The GST is a federal tax, while the HST blends federal and provincial taxes in certain provinces.
Registering for a GST/HST number is required for businesses once they hit a revenue threshold of $30,000. It facilitates tax collection, verifies tax eligibility, and ensures legal compliance. Even better, it unlocks access to input tax credits so that you can recover GST/HST paid on business expenses.
Here’s how to get a GST/HST number in Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Getting a GST/HST number is necessary to commence sales in Canada if you pass the $30,000 threshold or fall under mandatory registration rules.
- You can register online, by phone, or through your Ownr dashboard.
- Once you’re registered, you’re responsible for charging and collecting GST/HST on taxable sales, completing and filing GST/HST returns, and remitting (paying) the tax you’ve collected to the CRA.
How to Register for a GST/HST Number
Depending on your business type, you can register online, by phone, or through your Ownr dashboard (if you’ve incorporated with us).
Online Registration via CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO)
The fastest, most user-friendly way to register is through the Business Registration Online (BRO) portal of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Access the BRO portal.
- Enter the following information:
- Effective date of registration
- Fiscal year for GST/HST
- Total annual revenue
- Basic personal and business information
- Obtain your business number (BN) if you don’t already have one.
- Use your BN to register for your GST/HST account number.
After the registration, print or save your issued GST/HST account number and BN during your online session. Then, add your BN to your CRA account to access and manage your CRA program accounts online.
Read more: Business number vs. corporation number.
Registering Through Ownr (For Corporations Only)
If you’re incorporated with Ownr, we make it super simple to register:
- Log in to your Ownr dashboard.
- Navigate to ‘Organization’ > ‘Company Info.’
- Under ‘Organization Information,’ click ‘Add GST/HST Number.’
- Answer the CRA’s identity verification questions.
- You can also register for a Payroll account if needed.
Want a full breakdown? Learn how to register for GST/HST with Ownr.
Note: Ownr’s GST/HST registration tool is not currently available in Quebec.
Registering by Phone
You can also call the CRA directly at 1-800-959-5525. Provide your legal name, Social Insurance Number (SIN), address, and business info to receive your GST/HST number.
Once registered, the CRA will provide a notice confirming registration status and showing your new account number. Timing may vary.
Read more: How to get your GST/HST number for corporations and sole proprietors.
What Information Do You Need to Register?
Incomplete or incorrect information can delay your registration. Make sure to provide the following details for a smooth registration process:
- Business Details
- Business name
- Business number (BN)
- Type of business (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, trust, etc.)
- Name and SIN of all owners
- Physical and mailing addresses
- Description of major business activity
- Financial Information
- Total annual revenue, including taxable sales, leases, and other supplies (including zero-rated supplies), and taxable supplies of all your associates.
- Fiscal year, which is the same as your tax year for income tax purposes. If you want to use a non-calendar tax year, seek approval from the CRA.
- Personal Information
- Last name
- Social Insurance number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Postal code of home address
Do You Need to Register for a GST/HST Number?
It depends on your revenue and the type of business you operate. If you’re a small supplier earning less than $30,000 in taxable revenues over four quarters, registration is optional. However, if you plan to scale, registering early provides you with more flexibility.
Mandatory Registration
You must register if:
- Your taxable supplies (including sales and services) exceed $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters.
- You’re a taxi driver, ride-share operator, or operate certain digital platforms. For these, registration is mandatory, even if you earn less than $30,000.
Once registered, you must collect, invoice, and remit GST/HST. You also need to file regular returns and maintain up-to-date records.
Voluntary Registration
Even if you’re under the threshold, registering early can be beneficial. Having a GST/HST number authorizes tax transactions like charging, collecting, remitting, and getting back GST/HST you’ve paid on business costs.
- You can claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs).
- You show clients and vendors you’re official and certified.
If you register voluntarily, your effective date is typically the date of your application or up to 30 days before your request date. And if you close your business or cancel your GST/HST account, it immediately halts tax obligations from the effective cancellation date.
Understanding GST vs. HST
The main difference between GST and HST lies in how they’re applied across Canada. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a federal tax set at a flat rate of 5% and applies to businesses in most provinces, like Alberta, British Columbia (B.C.), Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), on the other hand, is a combined federal and provincial tax, and the rate varies by province.
- 13% HST in Ontario
- 14% HST in Nova Scotia on or after April 1, 2025
- 15% HST in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia (until March 31, 2025).
Place of Supply Rules: The applicable tax rate is based on the location of your customer, not your business. So if you’re in B.C. but sell to a client in Ontario, you must charge HST at 13%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Register for a GST/HST Number Online?
Yes! The fastest way is through the CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO). It’s secure, free, and available every day, except between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET for system maintenance.
Do I Need to Register for GST/HST if My Business is in Ontario?
If your taxable revenues exceed $30,000 in a quarter or four quarters, or if you’re a taxi driver, ride-share operator, or operate certain digital platforms, then yes, registration is mandatory in Ontario.
How Long Does It Take to Get a GST/HST Number?
If you apply online, it’s usually immediate. If you submit your application by phone or mail, it may take a few business days. If you register through Ownr, you will receive your GST/HST number within 1-2 weeks.
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