Canada CRA GST / HST Freelance Invoice Generator
Create professional CRA-compliant invoices for Canadian freelancers and businesses. Free with 9-digit Business Number (BN), automatic provincial sales tax (Ontario 13% HST, BC, Quebec, Atlantic), and Interac e-Transfer in PDF.
1. Your Business Information
2. Client Details (Billed To)
3. Services & Products
Invoice Summary
What the CRA requires on a GST/HST invoice
How much information your invoice must carry depends on its total. The CRA sets three tiers, and each adds to the one below it. Note the thresholds moved to $100 and $500 on 20 April 2021 — a lot of templates still circulating online quote the old $30 and $150 figures.
Invoices under $100
Three things are required: your business or trading name (or your intermediary’s name), the invoice date — or, if you issue no invoice, the date the GST/HST becomes payable — and the total amount paid or payable.
Invoices from $100 to $499.99
Everything above, plus three additions: an indication of the total GST/HST charged, or that the amount for each taxable supply already includes GST/HST at the applicable rate; an indication of the status of each supply where the invoice mixes taxable and exempt items; and your GST/HST registration number.
Invoices of $500 or more
Everything above, plus the buyer’s name or trading name (or that of their authorised agent or representative), a brief description of the property or services, and the terms of payment. This tier is where most freelance and contract invoices land, so it is the one worth working from by default.
Why your registration number matters to the client
Your GST/HST number is not decoration. A registrant client needs it to support their claim for input tax credits, so an invoice over $100 that omits it can be rejected by their bookkeeper and sent back to you. The generator keeps it on every invoice for that reason.
The RT0001 suffix
A CRA business number is nine digits identifying the business, followed by a two-letter program identifier and a four-digit reference number. RT is the GST/HST program and 0001 is your first account under it, giving the familiar 123456789 RT0001 shape. Enter the full string, not just the nine digits.
Choosing the right provincial tax
Which tax applies generally follows where the supply is made rather than where your business is registered, so an Ontario supplier billing an Alberta client is often not simply charging Ontario HST. Pick the province preset that matches the place of supply, and confirm the current rate with the CRA if the amount is material — rates do change.
Source: CRA — General Information for GST/HST Registrants (RC4022). Rules change — check the current guidance before relying on this for anything consequential, and see our Terms.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the CRA requirements for a Canadian GST/HST invoice?
- Under CRA guideline RC4022, for taxable sales of $100 or more, your invoice must clearly state: your legal business name, your 9-digit Business Number (GST/HST account number), the date of the invoice, the buyer's name, description of goods/services, total amount paid or payable, and the exact GST/HST rate and tax amount charged.
- When must a Canadian freelancer register for a GST/HST Business Number?
- You are required to register for a GST/HST Business Number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if your gross taxable revenues exceed the $30,000 small supplier threshold in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters.
- How does provincial tax calculation work in Canada?
- Sales tax is determined by the customer's province (Place of Supply): Ontario charges 13% HST; Atlantic provinces (NB, NL, NS, PE) charge 15% HST; BC & Manitoba charge 5% GST + 7% PST; Quebec charges 5% GST + 9.975% QST; and Alberta/Territories charge 5% GST only.
This tool produces a formatted template from the details you enter. It is not legal, tax, or medical advice — see our Terms of Service. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time, so have anything consequential checked by a qualified professional.