GST/HST guides for Canadian freelancers
Plain-language articles on the threshold, registration, and remittance. Math sourced from CRA RC4022 and RC4058. Not tax advice.
May 3, 2026 · 7 min read
How the $30,000 GST/HST Threshold Actually Works
The CRA's $30,000 small supplier threshold is a rolling 12-month window — not a calendar year. Most Canadian freelancers get this wrong. Here's how it actually works.
May 3, 2026 · 8 min read
Quick Method vs Regular Method: Which Saves You More Money?
If you're registered for GST/HST, the Quick Method lets you remit a flat percentage instead of tracking every input tax credit. Here's how to calculate which one actually saves you money.
May 3, 2026 · 6 min read
What Happens If You Miss the GST/HST Registration Deadline?
You crossed the $30,000 threshold but didn't register in time. Here's what the CRA actually does, what penalties look like, and how to fix it.
May 3, 2026 · 7 min read
Do I Need to Charge HST as a Freelancer in Canada?
Whether you need to collect and remit GST/HST depends on your revenue, your province, and what you sell. Here's a plain-language breakdown for Canadian freelancers and sole proprietors.
May 3, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST Remittance Deadlines in Canada: When and How to File
Miss a GST/HST remittance deadline and the CRA charges compound daily interest. Here are the exact deadlines for quarterly and annual filers, and how to avoid penalties.
May 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Quarterly vs Annual GST/HST Filer: Which Should You Choose?
When you register for GST/HST, the CRA assigns you a filing frequency. Here is what determines whether you file monthly, quarterly, or annually — and how to change it.
May 3, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Get a GST/HST Number in Canada
Step-by-step guide to registering for a GST/HST number with the CRA — online, by phone, and by mail. What information you need and what happens after you register.
May 3, 2026 · 10 min read
Tax Guide for Canadian Sole Proprietors: GST, Income Tax, and What to Track
A plain-language overview of the taxes Canadian sole proprietors and freelancers need to understand: income tax instalments, GST/HST, business expenses, and record-keeping.
May 3, 2026 · 5 min read
What Is an HST Number and Do You Need One?
An HST number (or GST/HST number) is a 9-digit business number the CRA issues when you register. Here is what it looks like, when you need one, and how to get it.
May 3, 2026 · 7 min read
How to Remit GST/HST Quarterly in Canada
Step-by-step guide to filing and paying your quarterly GST/HST return in Canada — what to report, how to calculate what you owe, and how to pay the CRA.
May 3, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Invoice with HST as a Canadian Freelancer
Once you are registered for GST/HST, your invoices need to include your registration number and the tax amount. Here is exactly what a compliant Canadian freelance invoice looks like.
May 3, 2026 · 7 min read
Input Tax Credits (ITCs): How to Recover GST/HST on Business Expenses
If you are registered for GST/HST, you can claim back the tax you paid on business expenses. Here is how input tax credits work, what qualifies, and how to claim them.
May 12, 2026 · 6 min read
PST vs GST vs HST: How Canadian Sales Taxes Work
Canada has three types of sales tax — PST, GST, and HST. Here's what each one is, which provinces charge which, and what freelancers and sole proprietors actually need to collect.
May 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Zero-Rated vs Exempt Supplies in Canada: What GST/HST Actually Applies To
Not all sales are treated the same under the GST/HST rules. Zero-rated and exempt supplies are both tax-free for your customers — but the difference has big consequences for your registration obligations and input tax credits.
May 19, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on Digital Products in Canada: What Creators Need to Charge
Selling templates, downloads, courses, or software online? Here is when Canadian sole proprietors and freelancers need to charge GST/HST on digital products.
May 26, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on US Clients in Canada: Do Freelancers Charge Tax?
Canadian freelancers often invoice US clients without GST/HST, but the rule is more specific than 'foreign client equals no tax.' Here is when services to US clients are zero-rated, what records to keep, and how those sales affect the $30,000 threshold.
June 2, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on Commercial Rent in Canada: What Small Landlords Need to Know
Commercial rent is usually taxable for GST/HST, while long-term residential rent is usually exempt. Here is how the rule works, when rental income counts toward the $30,000 threshold, and what small landlords should track.
June 9, 2026 · 7 min read
How to File Your First GST/HST Return in Canada
Filing your first GST/HST return can feel confusing. Here is what Canadian sole proprietors and freelancers need to gather, calculate, report, and pay before the CRA deadline.
June 25, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on Airbnb in Canada: What Short-Term Rental Hosts Need to Charge
Short-term rental income is usually taxable for GST/HST, but long-term residential rent is usually exempt. Here is what Canadian Airbnb hosts need to know about the $30,000 threshold, platform collection, and records.
June 30, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST Bad Debt in Canada: What If a Client Does Not Pay?
If you charged GST/HST on an invoice that never gets paid, you may be able to recover the tax as a bad debt adjustment. Here is how the rule works for Canadian freelancers and sole proprietors.
June 30, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST on Deposits and Retainers in Canada: When Freelancers Charge Tax
Do Canadian freelancers charge GST/HST on deposits, retainers, and advance payments? Here is the practical timing rule, with examples for invoices, refundable deposits, and retainers.
July 7, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST Place of Supply Rules in Canada: What Rate Should Freelancers Charge?
GST/HST place of supply rules determine which provincial tax rate you charge. Here is the practical version for Canadian freelancers, consultants, and sole proprietors billing clients across Canada.
July 7, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on Reimbursed Expenses in Canada: What Freelancers Charge
Do you charge GST/HST when a client reimburses travel, software, or other out-of-pocket costs? Here is the practical rule for Canadian freelancers and sole proprietors.
July 14, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST for Subcontractors in Canada: What Freelancers Need to Charge
Hiring subcontractors or working as one? Here is how GST/HST applies to Canadian subcontractors, invoices, input tax credits, and the $30,000 small supplier threshold.
July 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Voluntary GST/HST Registration in Canada: Is It Worth It?
You can register for GST/HST before reaching the $30,000 small supplier threshold. Compare the practical benefits, costs, and CRA obligations before choosing voluntary registration.
July 21, 2026 · 7 min read
GST/HST on Grants and Subsidies in Canada: Do They Count Toward the Threshold?
Do Canadian sole proprietors charge GST/HST on grants, subsidies, rebates, or awards? Here is when funding is taxable, when it is not, and how it affects the $30,000 small supplier threshold.
July 21, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST Late Filing Penalties in Canada: What Freelancers Need to Know
Miss a GST/HST return and the CRA can charge a late-filing penalty plus daily compound interest. Here is how the penalty works for Canadian freelancers and sole proprietors, and how to limit the damage.
July 28, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST Instalments for Annual Filers in Canada: A Practical Guide
Annual GST/HST filers may still need to pay the CRA every quarter. Learn who must make instalments, how to calculate them, and when each payment is due.
July 28, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST Threshold for a New Business in Canada: Is $30,000 Prorated?
Starting a business partway through the year? Here is how the CRA's $30,000 GST/HST small supplier threshold works for new Canadian sole proprietors and freelancers.
August 4, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST Invoice Date vs Payment Date in Canada: When Is Tax Due?
Do you remit GST/HST when you send an invoice or when the client pays? Learn the CRA timing rule for unpaid invoices, deposits, late payments, and reporting periods.
August 4, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST on Foreign Currency Invoices in Canada
Billing a client in US dollars or another currency? Learn how Canadian freelancers calculate GST/HST, choose an exchange rate, and track foreign-currency sales for CRA reporting.
August 11, 2026 · 7 min read
Multiple Businesses and the GST/HST Threshold in Canada: Do They Combine?
Running two side hustles, a freelance brand, and a small shop? Here is how the CRA combines taxable supplies across multiple businesses for the $30,000 GST/HST small supplier threshold.
August 11, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST on Barter Transactions in Canada: What Freelancers Must Report
Trading services instead of cash does not make the transaction invisible to the CRA. Learn how Canadian freelancers value barter deals, charge GST/HST, track the $30,000 threshold, and document input tax credits.
August 25, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Cancel a GST/HST Account in Canada
Closing your business or no longer required to be registered? Learn when you can cancel a GST/HST account in Canada, how to request closure, and what to include on your final return.
August 25, 2026 · 6 min read
GST/HST on Tips and Gratuities in Canada: When Do You Charge Tax?
Voluntary tips and mandatory service charges follow different GST/HST rules. Learn what is taxable, what counts toward the $30,000 threshold, and how to invoice each amount.