Answers
Canadian invoicing, answered plainly
Short, practical guides for contractors and small businesses billing in Canada — what the CRA expects on an invoice, when you have to register, how to get paid by Interac e-Transfer, and which sales tax applies in each province.
Tax and compliance
What has to be on a Canadian invoice for GST/HST?
The exact information the CRA expects on an invoice, and how the requirements change once the total passes $30 and $150.
Read answerGST, HST, QST, PST and RST by province
Which sales taxes apply where, current combined rates, and how the place of supply decides what you charge.
Read answerWhen do you have to register for a GST/HST number?
The $30,000 small supplier threshold, how it is measured, and why some businesses register before they reach it.
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Getting paid
How to invoice a customer for Interac e-Transfer
How to write clear e-Transfer instructions, handle security questions and auto-deposit, and record the payment once it lands.
Read answerDeposits, retainers and progress invoices
How to invoice money taken up front, when tax applies, and how to apply a deposit against the final invoice.
Read answerLate fees, payment terms and overdue invoices
Terms that get paid, whether you can charge interest, and a follow-up sequence to use before escalating.
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Running your business
Invoicing by trade
General information only — not accounting, legal or tax advice. Confirm details with the Canada Revenue Agency or your accountant.