HST Filing
HST Filing Without the Headache
Filing your HST return with CRA should not be stressful. But if you are not confident in your numbers, or if you are worried about missing a deadline, it can feel overwhelming. That is where I come in.
I prepare your HST return based on your bookkeeping records, verify everything is accurate, and submit it directly to CRA on your behalf. No guesswork, no last-minute scrambles.
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Pricing
$50 to $100 Per Filing
The exact cost depends on the complexity of your return and the number of transactions. Most small businesses fall in the $50-$75 range. Businesses with higher volumes or multiple revenue streams are typically closer to $100.
What the HST Filing Covers
- --Review of HST collected on sales and HST paid on eligible business expenses
- --Calculation of net HST owing or refund due
- --Preparation of the GST/HST return (GST34 form)
- --Electronic filing directly with CRA
- --Confirmation of filing and summary of what was submitted
How It Works with Your Bookkeeping
If you are on one of our monthly bookkeeping packages, basic HST preparation is already included. That means I am tracking your HST collected and paid throughout the year as part of your regular bookkeeping.
The HST Filing add-on covers the actual preparation of the return and submission to CRA. Think of it this way: your bookkeeping package keeps the numbers accurate, and the filing service gets them to CRA.
If you are not a monthly bookkeeping client, I can still file your HST , but I will need to review your records first to ensure accuracy. This may involve additional catch-up work.
Deadlines
HST Filing Deadlines You Need to Know
Annual Filers
If your annual revenue is under $1.5 million, you likely file HST once a year. Your return is due three months after your fiscal year-end. For businesses with a December 31 year-end, that means March 31. The payment is due at the same time as the return.
Quarterly Filers
Businesses with annual revenue between $1.5 million and $6 million typically file quarterly. Returns are due one month after the end of each quarter. For example, if your quarter ends March 31, the return is due April 30.
Monthly Filers
Businesses with annual revenue over $6 million must file monthly. Each return is due one month after the reporting period ends. Even if you are not required to file monthly, you can choose to if you regularly receive HST refunds. It gets you your money faster.
What Is at Stake
Late Filing Penalties Are Real
CRA charges a penalty for late HST returns. The penalty is 1% of the amount owing, plus 0.25% for each full month the return is late, up to a maximum of 12 months. On top of that, CRA charges compound daily interest on any unpaid balance.
For example, if you owe $5,000 in HST and file 6 months late, the penalty alone would be $125 (1% + 6 x 0.25% = 2.5% of $5,000). plus interest. File even later and it gets worse.
If CRA has to send you a demand to file, or if you have been penalized before, the penalties increase further. Repeat late filers can face penalties of 4% of the balance owing plus 1% per month late, up to 12 months.
The simplest way to avoid all of this is to have someone file your returns on time, every time. That is exactly what I do.
Why Outsource
Why Have a Bookkeeper Handle Your HST
Accuracy
A common mistake is claiming HST Input Tax Credits on expenses that do not qualify, or missing legitimate credits you are entitled to. Because I am already categorizing your expenses as part of bookkeeping, I know which ones qualify and which do not. Your return is accurate from the start.
Timeliness
When HST filing is part of your bookkeeping service, it happens automatically on schedule. I track the deadlines and submit the returns before they are due. You do not have to remember dates or set reminders . It is handled.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that a professional is handling your CRA filings means one less thing to worry about. If CRA ever has questions about your return, your records are clean, organized, and ready to support every number on the filing.
Common Questions
HST Filing FAQ
Do I even need to register for HST?
In Canada, you must register for HST once your business revenue exceeds $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Once registered, you are required to collect HST on taxable sales and file returns with CRA.
What if I am behind on my HST filings?
I can prepare and file overdue HST returns as part of a catch-up engagement. The sooner we file, the sooner we stop the penalty clock. Contact me and we will assess where you stand and get a plan in place.
Can I claim HST on everything I buy?
Not everything. You can claim Input Tax Credits on HST paid for goods and services used in your commercial activities. Personal expenses, entertainment over 50%, and certain other categories are restricted. As your bookkeeper, I track which expenses qualify so your return is accurate.
What is the Quick Method and should I use it?
The Quick Method is a simplified way to calculate HST where you remit a flat percentage of revenue instead of tracking every Input Tax Credit. It works well for service-based businesses with low expenses. If you are not sure which method is better for your business, we can discuss it during your consultation.
Never Worry About HST Deadlines Again
Let me handle your HST filings so you can focus on your business. Book a free consultation and we will review your filing schedule, check if you are up to date, and set up a plan going forward.
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