How often do I have to file an HST return in Ontario?
Your HST filing frequency depends on your annual taxable revenues. The CRA sets the default filing periods based on revenue tiers, though you can request more frequent filing. Businesses with annual taxable revenues of $1,500,000 or less can file annually. Businesses between $1,500,001 and $6,000,000 file quarterly. Businesses above $6,000,000 file monthly.
If you are on an annual filing period, you still need to make quarterly installment payments throughout the year (unless your net tax for the prior year was below a certain threshold). Missing installments results in interest charges even if you ultimately file and pay correctly at year end.
New registrants are generally assigned the filing period that matches their expected revenue. You can ask the CRA to switch to a more frequent filing period (e.g., monthly) — some businesses prefer this for cash-flow management. Filing periods are confirmed when you register and shown in your CRA My Business Account.
Key takeaways
- Annual filing: taxable revenues up to $1,500,000.
- Quarterly filing: revenues between $1,500,001 and $6,000,000.
- Monthly filing: revenues above $6,000,000.
- Annual filers still owe quarterly installments during the year.