Check if you need to register for GST/HST. Current Canadian threshold: CA$30,000. Find out your status instantly.
YOUR TURNOVER
Enter your total taxable turnover
If your turnover is expected to exceed CA$30,000 in the next month alone
Current Threshold
Canadian GST/HST Registration Threshold
30,000
2026 Rate
Your Status
Enter your turnover above
Distance to Threshold
The GST/HST registration threshold is the level of annual turnover above which a business must register for GST/HST with CRA. As of 2026, this threshold is CA$30,000.
Key Points:
You must register if your taxable turnover for any 12-month period exceeds CA$30,000. Once you cross this threshold, you're legally required to register immediately.
If you can reasonably expect your turnover to exceed CA$30,000 in the next 30 days alone (e.g., a large contract), you must register even if your 12-month turnover is below threshold.
If your turnover drops below CA$30,000 and you expect it to stay below this level going forward, you can apply to deregister for GST/HST.
Even if your turnover is below CA$30,000, registering for GST/HST can be beneficial in certain situations.
Reclaim GST/HST on business expenses like equipment, software, and services – potentially saving thousands per year.
Being GST/HST-registered can improve credibility with large business customers and government contracts.
Selling to other GST/HST-registered businesses is often easier if you're also registered, as they can reclaim GST/HST.
GST/HST-registered exporters may qualify for zero-rated supplies, effectively rebating GST/HST on exports.
Go to canada.ca/register-for-vat to access the online registration service.
You'll need your CPP/EI contributions number, business bank details, and records of recent turnover.
Fill in the online GST/HST registration form with your business details and recent turnover figures.
You'll receive a Business Number (BN) within a few days. You can then start charging and accounting for GST/HST.
The GST/HST threshold has changed several times over the years, reflecting inflation and economic conditions.
| Period | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 – Present | CA$30,000 | Increased from CA$85,000 |
| April 2022 – March 2024 | CA$85,000 | Frozen at this level |
| April 2021 – March 2022 | CA$85,000 | Maintained for support |
| April 2020 – March 2021 | CA$85,000 | Reduced from CA$85,000 |
| April 2017 – March 2020 | CA$85,000 | Standard rate |
Failing to register for GST/HST when required is a serious offence.
CRA can issue penalties ranging from 5% to 100% of unpaid GST/HST, depending on the severity of the breach.
You'll be liable to pay all GST/HST that should have been charged, plus interest at the statutory rate (currently around 8% per annum).
In serious cases of deliberate evasion, you could face prosecution and criminal penalties including imprisonment.
Your business reputation may suffer, and you might lose customer confidence. Large clients may refuse to work with unregistered suppliers.
The threshold is based on taxable turnover, which typically means all sales of goods and services (including GST/HST). Certain sales like financial services or property sales may be exempt from counting towards the threshold.
Yes, if you're below the threshold, registration is voluntary. You might choose to register to claim back GST/HST on business expenses, especially if you have high overheads. However, you must then charge GST/HST to customers.
Online registration through CRA typically takes 2-4 business days. In some cases, CRA may request additional information, which could extend the process to 1-2 weeks.
It depends on your circumstances. Early registration allows you to claim back GST/HST on expenses, but you'll also need to start charging GST/HST to customers. Consider consulting an accountant to calculate whether early registration will be financially beneficial for your business.
This checker provides general guidance based on the current threshold. For personalised advice on your specific situation, especially regarding voluntary registration or complex turnover calculations, you should consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser.