How to Register for GST/HST in Canada as an E-Commerce Seller

What Is GST/HST Registration in Canada?

GST stands for Goods and Services Tax. HST stands for Harmonized Sales Tax. Both are federal consumption taxes collected on most goods and services sold in Canada.

The difference? HST combines the federal GST with provincial sales tax in certain provinces. Whether you collect GST or HST depends on where your customer is located.

When you register, the CRA gives you a Business Number (BN) with a GST/HST program account. You then collect tax from customers and send it to the government.

Who Needs to Register?

You must register for GST/HST if your total worldwide taxable sales exceed $30,000 CAD in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters.

This applies to:

• Canadian-based e-commerce sellers on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or their own websites
• Third-party marketplace sellers, including those using GST/HST Amazon Canada programs
• Foreign sellers shipping taxable goods to Canadian customers
• Digital service providers selling to Canadian consumers

If you are below the $30,000 threshold, you are a “small supplier” and registration is optional — but you can still register voluntarily.

Why GST/HST Registration Matters for E-Commerce Sellers

Ignoring GST/HST is not a safe option. The CRA actively monitors online sales. If you fail to register when required, you are liable for all unpaid tax — plus interest and penalties.

Here is what registration actually does for your business:

• Keeps you legally compliant with the Excise Tax Act
• Lets you claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) — meaning you get back GST/HST you paid on business expenses
• Builds professional credibility with suppliers and B2B customers
• Avoids surprise tax bills later in your business lifecycle

For Amazon Canada sellers specifically, Amazon may collect and remit GST/HST on your behalf in some situations — but that does not remove your obligation to register once you exceed the threshold.

Step-by-Step Guide to GST/HST Registration in Canada

The registration process is straightforward. Here is how to complete it.

Step 1: Confirm You Need to Register

Before anything else, verify your sales threshold. Add up all taxable revenues from your online store, marketplace accounts, and any other business activity in Canada.

If you have surpassed $30,000 CAD in any single quarter or across four consecutive quarters, you must register within 29 days of the day you exceeded the limit.

Step 2: Gather Your Business Information

You will need the following details ready before starting the application:

• Your full legal name or registered business name
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Business Number (if you already have one)
• Your business address and contact details
• Your fiscal year-end date
• Estimated annual revenue from taxable sales
• Description of your main business activity (e.g., online retail, digital products)

Step 3: Register Online Through the CRA

The fastest way to register is through the CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) portal. You can access it via My Business Account or as a new user without logging in.

Here is what to do:

1. Go to the CRA’s Business Registration Online portal at canada.ca
2. Select “Register for a GST/HST account”
3. Fill in your business details as prompted
4. Choose your filing frequency (annual, quarterly, or monthly)
5. Submit and save your confirmation number

You will receive your GST/HST number immediately online or within a few days by mail.

Alternatively, you can register by phone at 1-800-959-5525 or mail in Form RC1. Online registration is faster and recommended.

Step 4: Add Your GST/HST Number to Your Sales Channels

Once registered, you must display your GST/HST number on all invoices and receipts. Update your:

• Shopify or WooCommerce tax settings
• Amazon Seller Central account (under Tax Information)
• Invoice templates and order confirmation emails
• Any other platform where you sell to Canadian customers

Step 5: Set Up Tax Collection and Filing

Registration is not the end — it is the start. You now need to collect the correct rate from each customer based on their province.

Quick reference for common GST/HST rates:

• Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI: 15% HST
• Ontario: 13% HST
• Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon: 5% GST only
• BC, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan: 5% GST + provincial sales tax separately

Most e-commerce platforms handle this automatically once your GST/HST number is entered and tax collection is enabled.

You will also need to file GST/HST returns on schedule — annually, quarterly, or monthly, depending on your revenue. Keep records of all sales and purchases for at least six years.

Practical Tips for a Smoother GST/HST Registration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to register. Once you cross the threshold, you have 29 days. Missing this window creates liability.
• Relying solely on Amazon to handle your tax. GST/HST Amazon Canada rules are complex. Amazon may remit on certain sales, but your registration obligation remains separate.
• Using the wrong tax rate for each province. Always check the province of delivery, not the province where your business is based.
• Failing to keep receipts for business expenses. These are needed to claim Input Tax Credits and reduce what you owe.

Tips to Stay Organized After Registration

• Set calendar reminders for your filing deadlines. Late filings carry interest charges even if you owe no tax.
• Use accounting software such as QuickBooks or Wave to automate tax tracking across all platforms.
• Open a separate business bank account for GST/HST collected. Do not spend this money — it belongs to the CRA.
• If you sell on multiple marketplaces, track GST/HST collected per channel. This simplifies your return filing.
• Consider working with a Canadian tax professional if your sales volume is high or you sell internationally. The rules become more complex with cross-border transactions.

Conclusion

GST/HST registration in Canada is not optional once your sales cross $30,000 CAD. It is a legal requirement — and handling it correctly protects your business.

Here is a quick recap of what you have learned:

• GST/HST is a federal consumption tax collected on most sales in Canada
• You must register within 29 days of exceeding the $30,000 threshold
• Online registration through the CRA is fast and straightforward
• Amazon and other platforms do not remove your personal registration obligation
• Staying organized after registration saves time and prevents costly errors

The earlier you get this right, the easier your bookkeeping becomes. Do not wait for the CRA to come looking.

Ready to get your business fully compliant?

At Lonex, we help Canadian e-commerce sellers handle GST/HST registration, ongoing filing, and full tax compliance — so you can focus on growing your store.

Book a free consultation today at thelonex.com and let us take the guesswork out of Canadian tax compliance.