Get Your GST/QST Filing Done Right – Contact Mackisen Today (Call to Action)

Handling GST/QST filing for businesses in Québec can be complex and time-consuming. But it’s crucial to get it right – your business’s compliance, cash flow, and peace of mind depend on it. Why struggle or risk errors when you can have Québec’s top tax professionals do it for you?

At Mackisen Consultation Inc., we take the burden of GST/QST off your shoulders. Imagine never worrying about TPS/TVQ deadlines or confusing forms again – that's what we deliver for our clients. Our high-conversion approach means we not only file your taxes, but also look for ways to save you money, streamline your accounting, and protect your business from costly mistakes.

Ready for stress-free tax filing? Contact Mackisen today to schedule your free consultation. Let our experts show you how we can simplify your GST/QST process, whether you need a one-time fix for a late return or ongoing filing support each period. We’ll answer all your questions (in English or en français!), and outline a solution tailored to your needs. Plus, we’re fast – we can often file your return within 24-48 hours of receiving your info, so you meet that deadline with time to spare.

Don’t let GST/QST obligations distract you from running your business. Join the hundreds of Québec entrepreneurs who trust Mackisen’s experience, integrity, and results. With our expertise and personalized service, you can file with confidence and focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Contact us now to get started – and say goodbye to the GST/QST headache for good!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below we answer some common questions about GST/QST filing in Québec – in both English and French contexts – to clear up any remaining doubts:

How do I file my GST/QST return online in Québec?

Answer: To file online in Québec, you typically use Revenu Québec’s “My Account for businesses” (Mon dossier pour les entreprises), accessible through the secure Clic Séqur portal. Once logged in, you can fill out and submit your combined GST/QST return for the period. Since 2024, electronic filing is mandatory for most registrants Alternatively, you can use Revenu Québec’s online express service with an access code or certain authorized software to file. If this sounds daunting, Mackisen can handle the entire online filing process for you, ensuring everything is done correctly.

What are the GST/QST filing deadlines for businesses in Québec?

Answer: Deadlines depend on your assigned reporting frequency. For monthly or quarterly filers, the return (and payment) is due one month after the end of the periodFor example, a Q1 (Jan–Mar) return is due by April 30. For annual filers, the return is due three months after the end of your fiscal year (e.g., March 31 for a Dec 31 year-end). Note that sole proprietors with a Dec 31 year-end have until June 15 to file, but must pay any balance by April 30 It’s important to file on time; late filings can incur penalties and interest. Mackisen’s team will ensure you never miss a deadline by scheduling reminders and handling the filings promptly.

What is the mandatory QST registration threshold in Québec?

Answer: The mandatory registration threshold for both GST and QST in Québec is $30,000 in taxable sales. If your total revenues (plus those of associated businesses) exceed $30,000 in a single quarter or over four consecutive quarters, you are required to register for GST/QST. Below $30,000, you are considered a small supplier (petit fournisseur) and need not register, though you may choose to do so voluntarily. Once you cross the threshold, you should register immediately (within 30 days) and start charging TPS/TVQ on your sales. Mackisen can help you with the registration process to ensure you're compliant from day one.

Do I need to file a GST/QST return if my business had no sales (nil return)?

Answer: Yes. Even if you have no sales or no taxes to remit for a period, you must still file a GST/QST return for that period. This is often called filing a nil return (déclaration nulle). Essentially, you would report zeros in the relevant fields. Failing to file a nil return can result in penalties just like a normal late filing. The good news is that nil returns are quick to file – and if Mackisen is handling your taxes, we will take care of filing any required nil returns on time so that you remain compliant.

What are Input Tax Credits (ITCs) and Input Tax Refunds (ITRs)?

Answer: Input Tax Credits (ITCs) and Input Tax Refunds (ITRs) are the mechanism that allows businesses to recover the GST and QST paid on their business expenses. An ITC refers to the refundable GST/HST you paid on purchases (for example, GST on office supplies, equipment, rent, etc.), and an ITR refers to the refundable QST you paid on those purchases. When you file your GST/QST return, you total up all the GST/QST you collected from customers and subtract all the GST/QST you paid on business inputs – the latter are your ITCs and ITRs. The result of this calculation is either the net tax you owe or a refund due back to you. These credits/refunds are fundamental to avoiding double taxation and are a major reason why businesses register for GST/QST even when starting up (so they can get refunds on initial purchases). Crédits de taxe sur les intrants (CTI) is the French term for ITCs. Mackisen ensures you claim all your ITCs/ITRs – we often find new clients have missed claims, and we help them recover that money.

Can accounting software help with GST/QST filing?

Answer: Yes, using accounting software (such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, etc.) can greatly simplify GST/QST tracking and reporting. Good software will automatically calculate the GST and QST on your sales invoices and track the tax you pay on expenses, generating reports that show your net tax owing. Many programs can even produce a GST/QST return or file it electronically through integrations. However, it’s crucial that the software is set up correctly (tax rates, tax codes for exempt items, etc.). We’ve seen cases where businesses had software but still made mistakes because of incorrect setup. Mackisen’s team can assist in setting up or reviewing your accounting software to ensure accurate GST/QST reporting. And whether you use software or not, we can take your financial data and prepare the return to be certain it’s correct. In essence, software is a tool – we make sure it’s used right, or we supplement it with our expertise.

How do GST and QST obligations work for out-of-province or online businesses (entreprises hors Québec)?

Answer: If you are a business outside Québec but sell to customers in Québec (for example, through e-commerce or services), you may also have QST obligations. Since 2019, Quebec introduced rules that require many non-resident suppliers to register and collect QST on sales to Quebec consumers once they exceed $30,000 in such sales in a 12-month period. This is done through a simplified registration (often called the specified QST registration system) for businesses that don't have a physical presence in Quebec. Notably, this QST-only registration applies to sales to consumers (B2C) in Quebec. If you sell to Quebec businesses, those businesses are usually expected to self-assess QST if applicable. GST (federal) applies across Canada, so even out-of-province businesses should already be registered for GST once over $30k nationwide. The bottom line is, being outside Québec doesn’t exempt you from TPS/TVQ responsibilities if you have significant sales into Québec. If this situation applies to you, Mackisen can advise on the proper registration and filing process so you stay compliant in all jurisdictions.

What is Form FPZ-500-V and do I need to fill it out?

Answer: Form FPZ-500-V is the code for the combined GST/HST-QST Return used in Québec. It's the official form on which you report your sales, GST collected, QST collected, and claim your input credits/refunds, resulting in a net tax remittance or refund. In practice, if you file online through Mon dossier, you are essentially filling out the FPZ-500-V electronically (paper versions are no longer mailed out except in special cases). If you file via paper (charities, for instance, get a form FPZ-500 mailed to them as  you would fill in the sections for GST and QST and mail it to Revenu Québec. Most businesses won’t deal with the paper form at all, since online filing is required. Mackisen will prepare the FPZ-500 information for you and file it electronically, so you don’t have to worry about the form details. We ensure each line is correct – from total taxable sales to adjustments – so that Revenu Québec accepts the return without issue.