GST Number Registration

Submit your GST registration online.

What is the GST Number?
Most persons and organizations engaged in commercial activities in Canada who have annual worldwide, taxable sales of more than $30 000 must register for and collect the Goods and Services Tax (GST). All taxi operators must register for GST/HST, regardless of their revenues.

What is the Federal Business Number (BN)?
The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is used to unify all accounts a business may have with the federal government. The BN is used to operate corporate income tax, import/export accounts, payroll deductions and GST/HST.

When should I apply for the Federal Business Number (BN)?
Registration should take place after the company has been registered. We can assist you with both, the business registration and the GST registration at the same time.

General Information about GST
Most goods and services sold or provided in Canada are taxable at the rate of 6% (GST). Certain items, such as sales of basic groceries and prescription drugs are taxable at a rate of 0%. These are referred to as zero-rated goods and services. A limited number of goods and services are exempt from the GST.

The GST applies to most transactions from manufacturing to marketing and sales. Businesses and organizations registered for the GST are referred to as registrants.

A Business must register to obtain a Business Number with a GST account. Registrants can claim a credit to recover the GST that is paid or payable on purchases used to provide taxable goods and services. This credit is called an input tax credit and can be claimed for the GST paid or payable for goods or services acquired or imported for use, consumption or supply in their commercial (taxable) activities.

GST registrants who provide taxable goods or services have to charge and collect the GST on their sales. If the GST collected is greater than the GST paid or payable, the difference is sent to the CRA. If the GST collected is less than the GST paid or payable, a refund can be claimed.

Do I need to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
While you are not required to register for GST until your annual gross revenues exceed a minimum threshold (currently $30,000) we generally recommend that any business register as soon as possible.

Three reasons to register:
1. Unless you are a GST registrant you cannot claim GST input tax credits (GST paid on business expenditures). If you are a GST registrant and your input tax credits exceed GST collected on sales, you may claim a refund of the excess from Canada Revenue Agency. If you're not a registrant the GST paid on expenses is included as part of the expense when computing net income.

2. Not being registered for GST tells everyone that you are running a truly small business. (Your sales are below $30,000 per year) If your customers are other businesses, they expect to pay GST.

3. Companies that are required to register for GST must remit the GST tax to Canada Revenue Agency - even if it has not been collected from the customer. By registering for GST upon starting your business you will eliminate the possibility of inadvertently surpassing the $30,000 threshold and being exposed to penalties and interest charges for noncompliance

You have two options when registering for GST number:

Option # 1
You can always visit your local Canada Revenue Agency office and complete the registration form. Please make sure that you fully understand the questions on the registration form and answer them correctly. It is quite difficult to change certain information once it is recorded. (You may have to wait for up to one year). Also, be prepared for delays due to the workload.

Option # 2
We can easily assist you with registration. You can visit our office or submit your information via fax or e-mail. If you are wondering why should you let us help you with registration, the answer is simple.

• You do not have to take any time from your busy schedule to do the registration.
• If you are located in a small town, there is no need to travel, just order by fax.
• We have the expertise to complete the registration in the way that best suits your needs.
• We work for you, not the government.
• For a small fee of $35.00 we will do all the necessary work for you.
• We can help you with the next step - GST report preparation.
  
  Submit your GST registration online.
  
  Download Consent form in pdf format.

As always, it is up to you to decide to do the work the easy way or the hard way. In any case, we are always available to answer your questions. Feel free to contact us by e-mail or telephone, at the numbers listed below.