How to Register for GST/HST in Canada for Your Small Business

Starting a small business in Canada requires careful planning and attention to various legal requirements. One important step in this process is registering for a Business Number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In addition, depending on the nature of your business, you may also need to register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Richardson Miller will explore how to register for GST/HST in Canada for your small business, the benefits of registration, and the potential penalties for not registering.

Why do I need to register for a Business Number?

A Business Number is a unique identifier that the CRA assigns to each registered business in Canada. It is used for various tax purposes, including filing returns, reporting income, and claiming input tax credits (ITCs). Registering for a Business Number is required if you are operating a business in Canada, regardless of whether you are a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation.

What is a Business Number and why is it important?

A Business Number is a nine-digit number that identifies your business for tax purposes. It ensures accurate tracking and reporting of your business activities to the CRA. With a Business Number, the CRA can match your business information with your tax returns and easily communicate with you regarding any tax-related matters.

What are the benefits of having a Business Number?

Having a Business Number offers several benefits for your small business. It allows you to claim input tax credits (ITCs) for the GST/HST you pay on business expenses. ITCs are credits that can be deducted from the amount of tax you owe, reducing your overall tax liability. A Business Number enables you to file your taxes accurately and on time, avoiding potential penalties for late or incorrect filing. Lastly, it enhances your professional credibility and establishes your business as a legitimate entity in the eyes of customers, suppliers, and financial institutions.

How do I obtain a Business Number?

To obtain a Business Number, you can register online through the Business Registration Online (BRO) portal on the CRA website. Before you begin the registration process, make sure you have all the necessary information, including your social insurance number (SIN), business name, business address, type of business, and fiscal year-end. Once you submit your registration, the CRA will review your application and assign you a Business Number.

Do I need to register for GST/HST?

If your business is engaged in the supply of taxable goods or services in Canada and meets certain revenue thresholds, you are required to register for GST/HST. Both GST and HST are consumption taxes that are levied on most goods and services in Canada. The main difference between the two is that GST is applicable in provinces and territories that do not have a harmonized sales tax, whereas HST combines the federal GST with the provincial sales tax in certain provinces.

What is the difference between GST and HST?

GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a federal tax on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. It is currently set at a rate of 5%. HST, or Harmonized Sales Tax, is a combined federal-provincial tax that applies in provinces that have harmonized their sales tax with the federal GST. The HST rate varies by province and ranges from 13% to 15%. If your business operates in a province with HST, you will need to register for a GST/HST account and charge this tax rate to your customers.

How do I determine if I am a small supplier?

As a small business, you may qualify as a small supplier and be eligible for certain GST/HST exemptions. A small supplier is a business with annual revenue below a certain threshold. If your total revenue from taxable goods and services is less than $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over the last four consecutive calendar quarters, you are considered a small supplier and are not required to register for GST/HST. However, if you choose to register voluntarily, you can still claim input tax credits and benefit from the advantages of GST/HST registration.

How do I register for GST/HST as a sole proprietor?

As a sole proprietor, registering for GST/HST can be done conveniently online through the CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) portal. The registration process requires you to provide essential details such as your Business Number, business name, fiscal year-end, type of business, and other pertinent information. It is important to ensure accuracy and completeness when filling out the registration form to avoid any delays or complications.

Can I register for GST/HST online as a sole proprietor?

Yes, sole proprietors can register for GST/HST online through the Business Registration Online (BRO) portal. This online registration option provides a quick and convenient way for sole proprietors to obtain their GST/HST numbers in Canada. By registering online, you can save time and avoid the need for paper-based registration forms.

What information do I need to provide when registering?

When registering for GST/HST, you will need to provide specific information about your business, including your Business Number, business name, fiscal year-end, type of business, business address, and contact information. Additionally, you may be asked to provide details about your anticipated annual revenue, your business structure, and whether you plan to make zero-rated or exempt supplies.

What are the deadlines for registering for GST/HST?

If your small business is required to register for GST/HST, it is important to be aware of the deadlines for registration. Generally, you must register within 29 days of reaching the small supplier threshold or within 29 days of your effective date of registration (if you are voluntarily registering). Failing to register within the specified deadlines can result in penalties and interest charges.

What are the tax implications of registering for GST/HST?

Registering for GST/HST as a small business has several tax implications that you need to be aware of. One of the key implications is the ability to claim input tax credits (ITCs) for the GST/HST you have paid on business expenses. When you register for GST/HST, you will be required to charge this tax to your customers and collect it on behalf of the government. However, you can offset the GST/HST you pay on your business purchases by claiming ITCs on your tax returns, reducing your overall tax liability.

What are Input Tax Credits (ITCs) and how do they work?

Input Tax Credits (ITCs) are credits that allow you to recover the GST/HST you have paid or owe on business expenses. They essentially allow you to claim a refund or reduce the amount of GST/HST you owe. To be eligible for ITCs, you must have valid GST/HST invoices or receipts, and the expenses must have been incurred for business purposes. Proper record-keeping is crucial to ensure you can substantiate your ITC claims.

Will registering for GST/HST affect my income tax?

Registering for GST/HST does not directly affect your income tax liability. Income tax is calculated separately from GST/HST and is based on your business’s net income. However, it is important to ensure that your GST/HST returns are accurately filed and that you report your business income correctly to the CRA for both income tax and GST/HST purposes.

What do I need to know about filing GST/HST returns?

Once you are registered for GST/HST, you will be required to file periodic returns to report the tax you have collected and paid during the reporting period. The frequency of filing returns will depend on the type of business and the level of your annual revenue. Generally, small businesses with annual revenue below $1.5 million can file their returns annually, while businesses with higher revenue may have to file quarterly. It is important to meet the filing deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

What are the penalties for not registering for GST/HST?

Failure to register for GST/HST when required can have serious consequences for your small business. The CRA has stringent measures in place to ensure compliance and failure to register can result in penalties, interest charges, and potential legal action.

What are the consequences of not registering when required?

If you fail to register for GST/HST when required, the consequences can be severe. The CRA may conduct audits or investigations to identify businesses that are not complying with their tax obligations. If they find that you have not registered, they can assess penalties and interest charges on the tax due. Additionally, failure to register can damage your business’s reputation, making it harder to secure contracts or partnerships in the future.

What are the penalties for late registration?

The penalties for late registration of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) can vary depending on the specific circumstances. However, typically, there are both monetary consequences and potential legal repercussions for failing to register on time.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may impose a penalty equal to 1% of the GST/HST owing for each month the registration is late, up to a maximum of 12 months. In addition, interest is charged on any unpaid amount, including both the tax owed and the penalty.

If the CRA determines that the late registration was intentional or due to gross negligence, they can assess a penalty of up to 50% of the tax owing. This can significantly increase the financial burden for businesses. Furthermore, failing to comply with registration requirements can be seen as tax evasion, which is a criminal offence. Criminal charges can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to understand the importance of timely GST/HST registration and compliance to avoid these penalties and legal troubles.

Does this all sound overwhelming, don’t worry – Richardson Miller LLP is in your corner. Give us a call and we can help you get set up.

We’re happy to answer your questions, clear up any confusion, and get you on the right path. Richardson Miller LLP is here to keep you on track and ensure that your taxes and accounting needs are met. Contact us today!