Filing GST/HST involves reporting the tax you collected and the tax you paid on expenses. This guide walks you through the basics so you can file confidently.
Filing your GST/HST return is an important part of running a business in Canada. If you’re registered for GST/HST, you’re required to report how much tax you’ve collected and how much you’ve paid on business expenses.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the basics of filing GST/HST so you can understand the process and stay compliant.
What is GST/HST filing?
GST/HST filing is the process of reporting:
- The tax you collected from customers
- The tax you paid on business expenses (input tax credits)
- The difference between the two
If you collected more tax than you paid, you’ll owe the difference to the government. If you paid more than you collected, you may receive a refund.
When do you need to file?
Your filing frequency depends on your business:
- Annually – Most small businesses
- Quarterly – Medium-sized businesses
- Monthly – Larger businesses
Even if you have no sales, you may still need to file a return.
What you need before filing
Before you file your GST/HST return, make sure you have:
- Total sales (revenue) for the period
- Total GST/HST collected from customers
- Total GST/HST paid on expenses
- Your business number (BN) and GST/HST account
Keeping accurate records throughout the year makes this process much easier.
How GST/HST is calculated
Your GST/HST return is based on a simple formula:
GST/HST collected – GST/HST paid = Amount owed (or refund)
- Collected tax comes from your invoices
- Paid tax comes from your business expenses
The tax you paid is often referred to as input tax credits (ITCs).
How to file your GST/HST return
You can file your return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using one of the following methods:
- Online through CRA My Business Account
- Through authorized tax software
- By mail (in some cases)
Most businesses choose to file online because it’s faster and easier.
Steps to file online
- Log in to your CRA My Business Account
- Select your GST/HST account
- Choose the reporting period
- Enter your totals (sales, tax collected, tax paid)
- Review your return
- Submit your return
After submitting, you’ll see whether you owe money or will receive a refund.
Paying your GST/HST
If you owe money, you can pay:
- Through your online banking
- Using CRA’s payment options
- At your financial institution
Make sure to pay by the deadline to avoid penalties or interest.
How Lunio helps
Lunio makes it easier to prepare for GST/HST filing by:
- Automatically calculating taxes on invoices
- Tracking how much tax you’ve collected
- Helping you stay organized throughout the year
By keeping your records up to date, you can save time when it’s time to file.
Tips for filing GST/HST
- Keep your records organized year-round
- Record all expenses and taxes paid
- Double-check your numbers before submitting
- File on time to avoid penalties
If you’re unsure about anything, consider speaking with an accountant.
Final thoughts
Filing GST/HST may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much more manageable. By tracking your income and expenses properly, you can file with confidence and keep your business compliant.
What’s next?
Now that you understand how to file GST/HST, here are some helpful next steps: