Most businesses in BC have to register for GST number. For some businesses
GST registration is mandatory, while other businesses can register
for GST voluntarily. Please select one of the options to continue:
Bookmark this page so you can easily come back to it at any time!
Step 1 - What is the GST Number
View this quick video to learn more about GST/HST Accounts.
Most persons and organizations engaged in commercial activities in Canada
who have worldwide, taxable sales of more than $30,000 over
any four or fewer consecutive calendar quarters must register
for and collect the GST. All taxi and limousine operators must register
for GST, 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 among others.
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
The GST applies to most transactions from
manufacturing to marketing and sales. Businesses and organizations
registered for the GST are referred to as registrants. In
general, GST tax rate of 5% applies to most goods and services.
The GST is not charged on the following items:
Basic groceries
Prescription drugs
Some medical devices
Municipal public transit
Health and education services
Legal aid
Most financial services
Child care
Tutoring
Music lessons
Residential rents
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.
Step 2 - Do I need to register for GST
Do I need to register for GST? While it is not
mandatory for most businesses to register and collect GST until
29 days following the single calendar quarter or four consecutive
calendar quarters in which they first exceed worldwide sales of $30,000,
we generally recommend that any business register as soon as possible.
Three reasons to register:
1. Unless you are an GST registrant you cannot
claim GST input tax credits (GST paid on business expenditures). If you
are an 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
Step 3 - Information required to register GST Number
Registration for the GST number is done by completing an application
form that is then delivered directly to the appropriate
government department.
Once your application
is approved you would receive a letter via mail confirming
your registration.
To register for GST number in BC, you will need to provide:
Legal name and address of the Incorporated business
or if it is a sole-proprietorship/partnership,
then your full legal name
Description of the business activity
Your full name as listed on the SIN Card
Home address
Telephone number
Social Insurance Number
Date of Birth
Estimate of annual revenues from business activities.
If you have a partner, the same information would be required
for your partner.
Step 4 - How to get registered for GST
We can easily assist you with GST registration.
You can register online using the link at the top or the bottom
of this page. If you are wondering why you should 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 online.
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 $39.95 we will do all the necessary work for you.
We can help you with the next step - GST report preparation.
Alternatively, 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.
Bookmark this page so you can easily come back to it at another time!
Step 5 - Cost of GST Registration
Our fee for registering GST number is $39.95 plus applicable taxes.
Registration never expires, unless you cancel it, so you register
only once for the entire life of the business.
Register For GST Number Now
Congratulations! You are now ready to register for GST. Simply select
the link below to be redirected to the application
form.
