Start Your Store
← All steps

Step 4 of 13

Register for GST (5%)

Collect GST from customers and claim back the GST you pay on stock.

Time
30 minutes
Cost
Free
CRA — GST/HST for businesses ↗

Register for GST (5%): step-by-step guide

Screenshots use a made-up example business. Official sites change, so yours may look slightly different.

  1. CRA GST/HST for businesses page with the Who needs to register section highlighted
    1. Check Who needs to register for GST/HST. Most businesses must register once taxable sales pass $30,000 in four consecutive calendar quarters.
  2. CRA GST/HST for businesses page with the Get a GST/HST number and manage your account section highlighted
    2. When you're ready, open Get a GST/HST number and manage your account. Registration is done in Business Registration Online, signed in with your CRA account.

Screenshots captured 2026-10-06. See something different? Report a problem

When you must register

You must register once your taxable sales pass $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters.

Why register earlier

We recommend registering from the start. As a registrant you can claim back the GST you pay on inventory and business expenses. You generally must stay registered for at least a year once you opt in.

Filing

You will choose how often to file. Annual filing is common for small businesses, but check which option applies to you. File even if you collected nothing.

Selling outside BC

Tax gets more complicated once you ship to other provinces. Some charge HST, and Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have their own taxes. Ask your accountant, or begin by selling to BC customers only.

Your checklist