HST / GST Filing
HST and GST Filing Services
in Canada
Sales tax compliance is one of the most common areas where Canadian businesses run into trouble with the CRA. Taxwala prepares and files your HST and GST returns on time and keeps you informed about deadlines and CRA requirements.
HST and GST Filing for Canadian Businesses
You generally have to register for a GST/HST account once your taxable revenues pass $30,000. The CRA applies two tests: the single-quarter test (more than $30,000 in one calendar quarter) and the four-quarter test (more than $30,000 over the last four consecutive calendar quarters). Exempt sales are not counted. Once registered, you are responsible for collecting the right amount of sales tax, keeping proper records, filing returns on time, and remitting what you owe. It sounds straightforward, but a lot of business owners find it more complicated than expected.
The rules around what is taxable, what is exempt, how to claim input tax credits, and when to file vary depending on your industry, province, and filing frequency. Getting it wrong can mean penalties, interest charges, and potentially a CRA review. We prepare and review returns carefully, apply eligible deductions and credits, and keep you informed about deadlines and CRA requirements. That is what Taxwala helps you do.
Service For
Who This Service Is For
Any business that collects or should be collecting HST or GST can benefit from professional help with their sales tax filings. Here is a breakdown of who we work with most often.
Small Business Owners
Small businesses often struggle with the administrative side of HST/GST. Tracking taxable vs exempt sales, calculating input tax credits, and filing on time while running a business is a lot to manage. We take the entire process off your hands.
Self-Employed Professionals and Freelancers
If you have passed the $30,000 small supplier threshold and registered for GST/HST, you now have filing obligations on the schedule the CRA assigns you (monthly, quarterly, or annually). A lot of freelancers miss input tax credits they are entitled to simply because they are not familiar with the rules. We review your situation so they are not overlooked.
Newly Registered Businesses
Just registered for a GST/HST number? The first few filing periods are where mistakes tend to happen. We set you up properly from the start, explain what you need to track, and handle your initial returns so you build good habits from day one.
Businesses Behind on HST/GST Returns
If you have missed one or more HST/GST filing periods, the CRA will eventually follow up. The best thing you can do is get caught up before that happens. We help businesses file overdue returns, calculate what is owed, and communicate with the CRA where needed.
Corporations with Complex Sales Tax Situations
Businesses that operate across multiple provinces, deal with both taxable and exempt supplies, or have a mix of commercial and non-commercial activities often face more complicated GST/HST rules. We handle the complexity so you stay compliant regardless of how your business is structured.
Real Estate and Property Businesses
HST rules around real estate are among the most misunderstood in Canadian tax law. New home purchases, commercial properties, short-term rentals, and mixed-use buildings all have specific HST implications. We work through the details carefully to make sure your situation is handled correctly.
Service Features
What's Included in Our HST / GST Filing Service
GST/HST return preparation and filing for all reporting periods
Input tax credit (ITC) review and optimization
Reconciliation of HST collected vs HST remitted
GST/HST registration assistance for new businesses
Assessment of taxable, zero-rated, and exempt supplies
Quick Method election review where applicable
Filing of overdue or amended HST/GST returns
CRA correspondence and audit support related to sales tax
Year-round availability for sales tax questions
Our Process
How GST/HST Filing Works at Taxwala
01
Free Consultation
We start by understanding your business, your revenue, and your current filing situation. Whether you are just getting started or trying to sort out a backlog, we figure out exactly what needs to happen.
02
Document Collection
We send you a checklist and a secure upload link. You share your sales records, purchase receipts, and bank statements for the relevant period. We handle the rest.
03
Return Preparation
We calculate your net tax, identify every input tax credit you qualify for, and prepare your HST/GST return. We review it with you before filing so you know exactly what is being submitted.
04
CRA Filing and Remittance
We file your return with the CRA electronically and confirm what amount, if any, needs to be remitted. If you are owed a refund, we make sure the return is filed promptly so it gets processed quickly.
05
Ongoing
Support
Sales tax filing happens multiple times a year for most businesses. We stay on top of your filing schedule, send you reminders when periods are coming up, and are available whenever you have questions.
Staying CRA Compliant with HST and GST
The CRA takes HST and GST compliance seriously. Late or missing returns trigger automatic penalties, and businesses that consistently fail to file on time can find themselves facing a formal audit. The CRA also has the authority to assess a business for HST it should have collected but did not, which can result in a significant unexpected tax bill.
Working with Taxwala means your sales tax obligations are never an afterthought. We track your deadlines, reconcile your accounts, and file accurately every period. If the CRA ever contacts you with questions about your HST/GST account, we handle that communication on your behalf. You stay focused on your business. We keep the CRA off your back.
faq
Common Questions About
HST and GST Filing in Canada
When do I have to register for HST or GST in Canada?
There are two tests. Under the single-quarter test, you must register if your taxable revenues are more than $30,000 in a single calendar quarter. Under the four-quarter test, you must register if your taxable revenues are more than $30,000 over the last four consecutive calendar quarters. Exempt sales do not count toward the threshold, and some businesses (such as passenger rideshare and taxi drivers) must register regardless of revenue. Some businesses register voluntarily before reaching the threshold, which can be beneficial if you want to claim input tax credits on business purchases.
What is the difference between GST and HST?
GST is the federal goods and services tax charged at 5%. HST is a harmonized tax used in provinces that have combined their provincial sales tax with the federal GST. Ontario, for example, has an HST rate of 13%. The province your customers are located in determines which rate applies.
How often do I have to file HST/GST returns?
Your filing frequency depends on your annual revenue. Businesses with lower revenue typically file annually, while those with higher revenue file quarterly or monthly. The CRA assigns your filing frequency when you register, but you can request a change if your situation changes.
What are input tax credits and how do I claim them?
Input tax credits, or ITCs, allow you to recover the HST or GST you paid on business-related purchases and expenses. You claim them on your HST/GST return to reduce the amount you owe. Proper documentation is required to support your ITC claims, which is one of the key reasons working with a professional pays off.
Can you help if I have overdue HST/GST returns?
Yes. We help businesses get overdue returns filed as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest accumulate. In some cases, we can also work with the CRA on a payment arrangement if there is a balance owing that cannot be paid all at once.
Do you handle HST/GST for businesses in all provinces?
Yes. We work with businesses across Canada. Each province has its own sales tax rules and rates, and we are familiar with all of them. Whether you operate in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or any other province, we handle your filing correctly.
Get Your HST and GST Filings Under Control — Book a Free Consultation
Sales tax compliance does not have to be something you dread every quarter. Taxwala makes the whole process straightforward and handles every detail from start to finish. Book a free consultation and let’s get your HST and GST situation sorted out properly.