How to use this canada invoice
- Add your business name and your GST/HST number (it ends in RT0001) in the “Tax / VAT ID” field.
- Add your client’s name and address.
- List what you sold, with quantity and price before tax.
- Set the tax label and rate for your province in Totals (the example uses Ontario’s 13% HST).
- Add how to pay, such as Interac e-Transfer, then download the PDF.
Which rate to charge
The rate usually depends on the province where your customer is, not where you are. Common rates:
| Province or territory | Tax on the invoice |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 13% HST |
| Nova Scotia | 14% HST |
| New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island | 15% HST |
| Alberta, the territories | 5% GST |
| British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan | 5% GST, plus provincial sales tax (PST) where it applies |
| Quebec | 5% GST plus 9.975% QST |
Rates change from time to time, so confirm on the Canada Revenue Agency’s GST/HST calculator. Where you charge two taxes (GST and PST or QST), choose “Per item” or note both in the invoice, and show each tax separately.
What the CRA expects on an invoice
Your business customers need certain details to claim input tax credits. The more the sale is worth, the more you must show:
- Every invoice: your business name, the date, and the total amount.
- $100 or more: also your GST/HST number, and the tax charged (or a note that the total includes tax).
- $500 or more: also the customer’s name, a description of what was sold, and the payment terms.
Using the full layout for every invoice covers all of these. If you are a small supplier who is not registered for GST/HST, don’t charge tax or show a GST/HST number. Set Tax to “No tax”.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my GST/HST number?
It is your 9-digit business number followed by RT and four digits, for example 123456789RT0001. It is on your registration confirmation from the CRA.
Do I need to charge GST/HST?
Once your taxable sales go over the small supplier threshold ($30,000 over four consecutive quarters for most businesses), you must register and charge it. Below that, registering is optional.
Which province’s rate do I use?
Generally the rate where the customer receives the goods or services. A business in Alberta selling to a client in Ontario usually charges 13% HST.
Can I invoice US clients in US dollars?
Yes. Change the currency to USD. Services exported to non-residents are often zero-rated for GST/HST, so check the CRA’s rules before adding tax.