Step-by-Step Registration: Getting Your GST Number

Ready to Go Pro? Your Registration Guide

Registering for a GST/HST number is free and usually takes less than 15 minutes online.

1. Gather Your Information

Before starting, have these ready:

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Business start date (Effective date of registration)
• Expected annual revenue
• Physical business address

2. Choose Your Filing Frequency

When you register, you must choose how often to report:

• Annual: Best for small businesses with low volume.
• Quarterly: Good for keeping up with payments and getting refunds faster.
• Monthly: Recommended for businesses with high ITCs (like exporters).

3. The Registration Methods

• Online (Required for standard GST/HST registration): Use CRA Business Registration Online. You can create or add a GST/HST account in one flow.
• Assisted Support: If you have setup issues, call CRA business enquiries for guidance, but GST/HST account creation itself is completed online.

4. Next Steps After Registration

Once you have your number, you must:

1. Start charging the correct tax on every taxable sale.
2. Display your GST/HST number on every invoice.
3. Keep records of all tax collected and paid.

Navigate province-specific rates for your invoices →

Run the Canada GST/HST calculator for province-based totals →

FAQ: Registration

Can I back-date my registration?

The CRA rarely allows back-dating more than 30 days unless you can prove you were already charging tax to customers.

Is a GST number the same as a Business Number?

Yes, your GST/HST account is a part of your 9-digit Business Number (e.g., 12345 6789 RT0001).

Source

• CRA: How to register for a GST/HST account