In British Columbia, businesses charge 5% GST, and BC's 7% PST is separate and run by the province. You must register for GST/HST once your taxable sales pass $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. TaxCorner registers businesses, files GST/HST returns and claims input tax credits.
What's included
- Advice on whether and when to register
- GST/HST registration
- Monthly, quarterly or annual GST/HST returns
- Input tax credit (ITC) claims
- Catch-up filings for missed periods
- Help with CRA GST/HST reviews
Who it's for
- Freelancers and consultants
- Contractors and trades
- Ride-share and delivery drivers
- Online sellers
- Small businesses of every kind
Key facts and dates
- $30,000Small supplier threshold: register once taxable sales pass this in one calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters.
- 5% GSTThe rate charged in BC. BC's 7% PST is separate and administered by the province.
- Annual filersReturns are generally due three months after year-end. Individuals with a December 31 year-end file by June 15, with payment due April 30.
GST/HST: frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for GST as a freelancer in BC?
You must register once your taxable sales pass $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters. Ride-share drivers must register from their first fare. Below the threshold, registering is optional but can let you claim input tax credits.
What are input tax credits?
Input tax credits let a GST/HST registrant recover the GST/HST paid on business purchases and expenses. They reduce the amount you send to the CRA, so tracking them properly saves real money.
How often do I file GST/HST returns?
It depends on your annual taxable sales. Businesses with $1.5 million or less are generally annual filers by default, $1.5 million to $6 million quarterly, and over $6 million monthly. You can often choose to file more often.
Do I also need to charge PST?
Possibly. BC's PST is a separate provincial tax with its own registration rules. Some businesses must register for both. We can explain whether PST applies to what you sell.
Why TaxCorner
TaxCorner is led by Atique Raza, a Chartered Professional Accountant, and has served Vancouver for 15+ years from 6483 Fraser St in South Vancouver. We review every file before it's filed, explain everything in plain language, and speak English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.