GST & QST Filing Services in Quebec (TPS/TVQ) – Ultimate Guide for Businesses

Meta Description: Bilingual Montreal CPAs specializing in GST & QST (TPS/TVQ) filing for businesses. Avoid penalties, ensure compliance, and let Mackisen handle your tax returns.

Introduction (Pain Point & Promise)

Are you a Quebec business owner struggling with GST/QST filing for businesses? Preparing GST and QST returns (known in French as déclarations TPS/TVQ pour entreprises) can be a confusing, time-consuming headache. Between navigating two tax systems – federal GST and provincial QST – and the fear of costly errors, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Pain point: One slip-up in your tax reports could trigger penalties or audits, draining your hard-earned money and time. Promise: It doesn’t have to be this way. Mackisen Consultation Inc. offers a stress-free solution to ensure accurate, on-time filings so you can focus on growing your business. Instead of frantically searching for “tax expert near me”, discover how our local Montreal team makes GST/QST compliance fast, easy, and penalty-proof.

Key Definitions (GST, QST, Thresholds, Obligations)

To demystify the process, let’s clarify the essentials of GST and QST in Quebec and what your obligations are:

·         GST (Goods and Services Tax): A 5% federal sales tax on most goods and services in Canada, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Businesses registered for GST must charge this tax on sales outside Quebec (and within, in combination with QST) and remit it via periodic GST returns.

·         QST (Quebec Sales Tax): A 9.975% provincial sales tax on goods and services in Quebec (called Taxe de vente du Québec or TVQ in French). It’s administered by Revenu Québec. If you do business in Quebec, you likely need to register for QST and file separate QST returns, even though many items are also subject to GST.

·         Registration Threshold: Small businesses are exempt from mandatory registration until they grow. You must register for both GST and QST once your total worldwide taxable sales exceed $30,000 within a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Under this $30,000 threshold (known as the “small supplier” limit), registering is generally optional, but many companies choose to register voluntarily to claim input tax credits on purchases. (Note: Certain activities require QST registration regardless of sales – e.g. taxi services or selling tobacco, alcohol, fuel, etc., always mandate QST registration.

·         Filing Frequency: Depending on your revenue and what the tax authorities assign, GST/QST filing frequencies can be monthly, quarterly, or annually. For example, a new small business often files quarterly, whereas a larger company might file monthly. Each reporting period has a deadline (usually one month after the period ends) by which you must submit your GST and QST returns and payments.

·         Dual Filing Obligations: Quebec businesses uniquely deal with two tax agencies. You must file a GST/HST return to the CRA (federal) and a QST return to Revenu Québec (provincial). These are separate filings – even if calculated at the same time – and each has to be accurate and submitted on time. It doubles the paperwork and increases the chance of errors if you’re doing it alone.

·         Online Filing (Mon Dossier Entreprise): As of 2024, most GST/QST registrants are required to file their returns electronically This means using the CRA’s “My Business Account” portal for GST/HST and Revenu Québec’s “Mon Dossier Entreprise” portal for QST. (Mon Dossier Entreprise is the French online business account – the interface and help materials are often in French.) You can also file via authorized software or your financial institution. The bottom line: paper filings are largely a thing of the past, and businesses must adapt to e-filing If managing two online accounts and forms sounds daunting, don’t worry – our team can handle the entire online filing process for you.

Why It Matters (Penalties, Errors & Compliance Risks)

Filing GST and QST correctly is not just paperwork – it’s critical to your business’s health. Here’s why getting it right and on time matters so much, and what can go wrong if you don’t:

·         Steep Penalties & Interest: The government aggressively enforces sales tax compliance. If you file late or under-remit, expect hefty fines. For QST in Quebec, late payments can incur penalties up to 15% of the tax due – imagine losing 15% of your revenue to a penalty! The CRA isn’t far behind; for GST, they charge 1% of the owed tax plus 0.25% of that amount per month late (up to 12 months). On top of penalties, interest accrues daily on unpaid balances In short, procrastinating or making mistakes on GST/QST returns can cost you thousands of dollars – money better kept in your business.

·         Audit Triggers & Reassessments: Sales tax errors often wave a red flag to auditors. Revenu Québec actively monitors filings – for instance, QST audits are commonly triggered when sales exceed the $30,000 threshold or when returns show irregular deductions. If your filings don’t add up, you could face a dual audit by both CRA and Revenu Québec. An audit means combing through your records, answering tough questions, and potentially having to pay unremitted taxes going back several years, plus penalties. It’s not uncommon for businesses to discover, during an audit, that they owe far more than they thought, due to simple filing mistakes. This is a nightmare scenario we want you to avoid.

·         Compliance Burden & Errors: Let’s face it – juggling two tax systems is confusing. Many small business owners aren’t sure which sales are taxable, what input tax credits they can claim, or how to handle differences between GST and QST rules. A missed form field, a decimal error, or a misclassified sale can lead to notices and reassessments. The CRA warns that failing to comply with GST/HST obligations could even result in prosecution in extreme cases. While criminal charges are rare for most businesses, the statement underscores how serious compliance is. Even without legal action, a simple error can mean hours spent fixing returns and corresponding with tax agents. It’s a stress you don’t need in your already busy entrepreneurial life.

·         Lost Money on the Table: Mistakes go both ways – you might overpay taxes without realizing. We’ve seen business owners unknowingly remit GST/QST on exempt items or not claim input tax credits (ITCs) they’re entitled to. That’s money left on the table. Conversely, under-collecting tax (for example, not charging QST when you should) means you’ll have to cover that out of pocket later. Inaccurate filings distort your financial picture and can hurt your cash flow. Accurate GST/QST reporting ensures you only pay what you owe – no more, no less – and that you maximize your credits so you keep as much of your revenue as possible.

Bottom line: Complying with GST and QST requirements isn’t optional or trivial. It’s the law, and non-compliance carries real financial risks. Many business owners have learned the hard way that “I didn’t know” won’t waive a $5,000 penalty. Don’t gamble with your hard-earned profits or your company’s reputation. In the next section, we’ll show how Mackisen helps eliminate these risks, giving you peace of mind and potentially saving you thousands in avoided penalties or recovered overpayments.

How Mackisen Helps (Expertise, Full-Service Team & Efficiency)

Mackisen Consultation Inc. is not just another accounting firm – we’re Quebec’s GST/QST compliance experts. Our full-service team (comprising experienced CPAs, auditors, and tax specialists) takes the burden of sales tax off your shoulders. Here’s how we make GST/QST filing easy, accurate, and efficient for your business:

1.    Bilingual Tax Expertise: Our Montreal-based accountants are Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) fully fluent in English and French. We understand the fine print of both federal and Quebec tax law. That means whether it’s communicating with the CRA or Revenu Québec (often in French), nothing gets lost in translation. We’ll decipher terms like “Mon Dossier Entreprise” and “TPS/TVQ” for you, ensuring you’re never in the dark. Our team stays up-to-date on every new rule and tax rate, so you never have to worry about surprises.

2.    Complete Dual Filing Service: Mackisen handles the entire GST/QST filing process for businesses – from data gathering to hitting “submit.” We prepare both your federal GST return and your provincial QST return in parallel, making sure the figures are accurate and consistent. No need to log into multiple portals or fill out confusing forms; we do it all. Our experts know the ins and outs of the CRA’s online GST filing system and Revenu Québec’s online QST system. By letting us coordinate both filings, you avoid omissions and duplicated work. One of our mottos is “One firm, one solution – two tax agencies taken care of.”

3.    Advanced Software & Accuracy Checks: Say goodbye to spreadsheet errors. We utilize professional-grade tax software that integrates with your bookkeeping system (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.) to pull in sales and purchase data accurately. This software, combined with our rigorous human review, means every calculation on your GST/QST returns is double-checked. We ensure you’re claiming every eligible input tax credit, properly charging tax on taxable items, and not charging it on exemptions. Before filing, we reconcile your GST and QST figures with your financial statements, so discrepancies are caught before submission. The result? Audit-proof filings that are accurate down to the penny.

4.    Efficiency & Deadline Management: Never miss a deadline again. Mackisen’s team will track all your filing due dates (monthly, quarterly, annually) and remind you of upcoming obligations well in advance. We prepare your returns ahead of time and even schedule your payments if desired, so you’re always compliant with zero last-minute panic. Because we file electronically on your behalf, you get instant confirmation of receipt from the CRA and Revenu Québec. No mailing delays, no wondering if your forms got lost. Just fast, efficient submission. We turn what used to be a full-day task for you into a quick review-and-approve routine.

5.    Audit Defense & Ongoing Support: Our service doesn’t stop at filing your returns. If either tax authority comes back with questions, audits, or adjustments, Mackisen has your back. We will represent you in communications with CRA or Revenu Québec – in fact, we can often deal with auditors directly so you don’t have to. Our team knows how to compile the needed documentation (sales records, receipts, etc.) and present it in a way that satisfies the auditors’ queries. We’ve successfully defended clients through hundreds of audits, minimizing or eliminating assessments. With Mackisen, you’re not just getting a filing service – you’re getting a long-term partner in compliance. We’ll also give you tips and training to improve your record-keeping and answer any GST/QST questions that come up throughout the year.

In short, Mackisen acts as your outsourced GST/QST department. From registration (if you’re new or haven’t registered yet) to routine filings to dealing with any issues, we handle it all under one roof. You get the benefit of a large-firm expertise with a personal, local touch. As a result, you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and gain peace of mind knowing professionals are managing this critical aspect of your business. Mackisen’s mission is simple: make sales tax compliance a worry-free part of your business operations.

Case Example: Success Stories in GST/QST Filing

Nothing illustrates our impact better than real client experiences. Here are two brief stories of how Mackisen’s intervention turned potential tax disasters into success stories:

·         Construction Firm Saves $76,500 in Penalties: A Montreal construction company came to us after facing a massive $85,000 bill in combined QST and payroll tax penalties due to filing errors. The situation looked dire – they had missed deadlines and misreported figures, triggering automatic fines. Our Mackisen team sprang into action. We recalculated all remittances, prepared corrected filings, and submitted a comprehensive adjustment package to tax authorities. By addressing every error and negotiating with Revenu Québec, we reduced the penalties by 90% The final penalty was just a fraction of the original, saving the client about $76,500. More importantly, we put processes in place to ensure they never face such penalties again.

·         Retailer Recovers $47,000 Overpaid QST: A Quebec retail business had been overpaying QST for over a year, unknowingly charging and remitting tax on some items that were actually tax-exempt. They only realized something was wrong when cash flow felt consistently tight. Mackisen performed a detailed review of their sales and QST filings. We discovered the overpaid amounts and promptly filed amended TPS/TVQ returns to correct the mistakes. As a result, the client recovered $47,000 in overpaid QST from Revenu Québec. That’s money back in their pocket. Additionally, we updated their systems and trained their staff on what items should or shouldn’t have tax, preventing future overpayments.

These examples highlight a common theme: expert guidance pays for itself. Whether it’s cutting down penalties or reclaiming overpaid taxes, Mackisen turns things around for our clients. We’ve helped businesses across Montreal and Quebec avoid shutdown-threatening fines, pass audits with flying colors, and even get refunds they wouldn’t have known to claim. Your business could be the next success story – all it takes is getting the right team on your side.

(Client privacy is paramount to us, so while these stories are true, we haven’t disclosed names. Rest assured, the outcomes are real and attainable for you too.)

Advantages of Working with Mackisen

Choosing the right partner for GST/QST compliance can make all the difference. Here’s why Mackisen Consultation Inc. stands out as the top choice for businesses in Montreal and across Quebec:

·         🏙 Local Montreal Presence: We’re a proud Montreal-based firm. Our team lives and works here, giving us firsthand insight into Quebec’s business environment and regulations. We’re familiar with the provincial nuances that outside firms might overlook. When you work with Mackisen, you’re getting local knowledge with global standards. We’re also easy to reach and happy to meet in person – you’re not dealing with a far-off call center.

·         🌐 Bilingual Service (English & Français): Quebec is a bilingual province, and so are we. Our professionals can seamlessly switch between English and French. This means we can communicate with you in the language you’re most comfortable with, and correspond with government agencies in either language as needed. Many official resources and notices (like Revenu Québec’s “Mon dossier entreprise” interface) are in French only, but that’s no barrier for us – or for you, when you have us as your guide. Vous servir en français nous fait plaisir! (It’s our pleasure to serve you in French, too!)

·         ✅ Audit Defense & Peace of Mind: When we say we’re your partners, we mean through thick and thin. Mackisen offers audit defense and post-filing support as a core part of our service. Should the CRA or Revenu Québec ever come knocking, we don’t run – we step up. Our team includes former auditors and seasoned tax lawyers who know how to navigate the audit process. We’ll handle the tough questions and protect your interests, potentially saving you thousands in assessments. Knowing you have audit support gives you peace of mind that no matter what happens, you won’t face it alone.

·         👥 Experienced Team of 355+ Professionals: Mackisen isn’t a one-person bookkeeper operation; we’re a robust firm with a network of over 355 professionals globally. In Montreal alone, our office has 125+ expert staff with a combined 35+ years of experience in accounting and tax. What does this mean for you? It means we have specialists for every situation. Complex tax situation? We likely have someone who’s seen it before. Our depth of expertise ensures that no GST/QST issue is too complex for us to handle. We bring big-firm knowledge while still giving you small-firm attention.

·         💼 Chartered Accountants & Tax Experts: Mackisen is a fully licensed CPA firm (Chartered Professional Accountants). When you work with us, you’re working with accredited professionals held to the highest standards of ethics and competence. Our chartered accountants in Quebec are required to stay current with tax laws and undergo continuous professional development. Simply put, you are getting advice from real experts – people who could teach courses on GST/QST (in fact, some of our staff have!). This level of expertise translates into accurate filings and valuable tax planning tips for your business.

·         🔒 All-in-One Financial Solutions: Beyond GST/QST filing, Mackisen offers a one-stop shop for your financial needs. Our services span bookkeeping, payroll, corporate income tax, financial audit, CFO advisory, and even financing assistance. Why is this an advantage? Because your GST/QST doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It ties into your overall finances. By handling all these services under one roof, we ensure nothing slips through the cracks. For example, our bookkeeping team works closely with our tax team – so the numbers on your GST/QST returns always match your books. This integrated approach saves you time and ensures consistency. As your business grows, we can scale our services to whatever you need, whenever you need it.

In summary, Mackisen offers an unbeatable combination: local Montreal/Quebec expertise, true bilingual communication, unwavering support (even in audits), a large and experienced team, top professional credentials, and comprehensive services. We are laser-focused on client success – our goal is not just to file your taxes, but to optimize your finances and de-risk your operations. When you partner with us, you’re investing in a relationship that will benefit your business for years to come.

Call to Action (Contact Mackisen)

Ready to eliminate your GST/QST headaches and focus on what really matters – running your business? Contact Mackisen Consultation Inc. today to get started with our GST/QST filing service for businesses. Don’t let sales tax compliance drain your energy or put your company at risk. Take action now to protect your business and reclaim your peace of mind.

·          Call us at 514-276-0808 to speak with a friendly, bilingual tax expert right away. We’ll discuss your needs and how we can help. (No automated menus – you’ll talk to a real person who understands Quebec taxes.)

·         Schedule a Free Consultation: Visit our website or email us at  to book a no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your situation and show you exactly how we can simplify your GST/QST filings. The first meeting is absolutely free – and you’ll walk away with valuable insights, whether or not we end up working together.

·          Get Results: Imagine never worrying about a CRA or Revenu Québec deadline again. That’s what we deliver. Our clients often say the best decision they made was handing over their GST/QST burden to Mackisen. It’s your turn to experience that relief and confidence in your compliance.

Stop searching for "tax expert near me" and get the real expertise you deserve. Mackisen’s Montreal CPA team is nearby and ready to roll up our sleeves for you. Whether you’re a startup in the Plateau, a retailer in Laval, or a manufacturer in Longueuil, we have you covered across Quebec.

Contact us now and let’s make GST/QST one less thing you have to worry about. Your business will thank you!

(When reaching out, just mention you’re interested in GST/QST filing help – our specialists will take it from there.)

Author Trust Section

About the Author: This blog post was written by a seasoned tax professional at Mackisen Consultation Inc.

Mackisen Consultation Inc. is a licensed accounting firm (CPA) in Montreal, QC. We’re members of the Ordre des CPA du Québec and adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. Feel free to reach out to our team with any questions about this article or for further clarifications – we’re here to help!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

To wrap up, here are answers to some common questions about GST/QST filing in Quebec. (Tip: Including French terms in your searches, like “TPS/TVQ” or “Mon Dossier Entreprise,” can help you find relevant info – and of course, you can always ask Mackisen!)

Q: How to file GST QST return online?
A: To file your GST/QST returns online, you will use two separate systems. For GST (federal), log in to the CRA’s My Business Account portal. Once inside, you can complete and submit your GST/HST return for the reporting period – the system will calculate any balance or refund. For QST (provincial), use Revenu Québec’s “Mon Dossier Entreprise” online portal (the business account). In Mon Dossier, you’ll find the option to file your TPS/TVQ return en ligne (online). Enter your sales, input tax credits (crédits de taxe sur les intrants) and other required info, then submit electronically. Remember that since 2024, online filing is mandatory for most businessesr. You’ll need your login credentials for both CRA and Revenu Québec – if you don’t have them, you must register for online access first. Many businesses find the dual online filings cumbersome, especially navigating the French interface of Revenu Québec’s site. Mackisen can take over this process for you – we’ll prepare the returns and file them through the proper online channels, ensuring everything is done correctly. Whether you choose DIY or professional help, always file on time to avoid late-filing penalties!

Q: What is “Mon Dossier Entreprise” on Revenu Québec?
A: Mon Dossier Entreprise (often just called “Mon dossier”) is Revenu Québec’s secure online portal for businesses. It’s the Quebec equivalent of the CRA’s online account. Through Mon Dossier Entreprise, you can manage all your provincial tax obligations: file QST returns, view past filings, make payments, see notices from Revenu Québec, and even handle source deductions and corporate income tax for Quebec. The portal is available in French (with some English navigation possible). For example, if you want to file a QST return, you’d log into Mon Dossier, navigate to “Déclarer la TVQ”, and input your information. The portal streamlines a lot of processes – no paper forms needed. However, new users might find it a bit confusing, especially if French isn’t your first language. That’s where we come in. Mackisen frequently assists clients with Mon Dossier Entreprise, from setting up their account to filing returns through it. We ensure that everything entered is accurate and that you don’t miss any steps (like clicking “Soumettre” to officially file!). Think of Mon Dossier as a useful tool – and with our help, it becomes easy to use.

Q: Who must register for GST and QST in Quebec?
A: In general, any business selling goods or services in Canada/Quebec must register for GST/QST once its sales reach a certain level. The magic number is $30,000 in taxable sales. If your total revenues (plus those of associates or related businesses) exceed $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters, you are required to register for both GST and QSTBefore hitting that threshold, you’re considered a “small supplier” and registration is usually not obligatory. However, you can voluntarily register earlier – and many startups do, so they can charge tax and claim input credits from day one. Keep in mind, some business activities require QST registration regardless of sales: for example, if you operate a taxi or ride-sharing service in Quebec, or you retail certain products like tobacco, alcohol, fuel, new tires, etc., the law says you must register and collect QST even if you haven’t hit $30,000 in sales. The logic is that these are sensitive sectors where the government wants full compliance. If you’re unsure about your status, it’s wise to consult with a tax professional. Mackisen can quickly determine whether you need to register and even handle the registration process for you (both with CRA for GST/HST and with Revenu Québec for QST). Remember: doing business in Quebec typically means dealing with both taxes from the start – better to be registered and compliant than to delay and face retroactive charges.

Q: Can a CPA in Montreal help me file GST/QST returns?
A: Absolutely, and it’s often the best decision if you value accuracy and peace of mind. A Montreal-based CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) is intimately familiar with Quebec’s dual tax system. They can ensure you’re charging the right taxes to your customers, claiming the correct credits, and filing all returns properly. While you aren’t legally required to hire an accountant to file GST/QST (many small business owners start off doing it themselves), mistakes can be costly. A local CPA will know, for instance, the nuances of Quebec law – like specific exemptions or the requirement to remit QST even on online sales to Quebec in some cases. They’ll also help with planning, such as advising if you should register voluntarily before you hit $30,000 in sales. If you’re in Montreal or anywhere in Quebec, having a chartered accountant (expert-comptable) handle your GST/QST filings means you get it right the first time. Plus, if any issues arise (like an audit or a complex question about a transaction), you have a professional who can address it immediately. Mackisen’s CPAs in Montreal specialize in this area – we don’t just “help” you file; we take care of it end-to-end. This often pays for itself by avoiding penalties or identifying tax savings you might miss. In short, yes – a CPA can not only help, but truly make a difference in how stress-free and successful your tax compliance is.

Q: How often are GST/QST returns due?
A: The frequency of your GST and QST return filings depends on your level of sales (and sometimes your preference, within certain bounds). When you first register, the tax agencies will assign you a filing frequency:

·         Annual filing: Typically for very small businesses (just above the $30k threshold). You file and remit GST/QST once a year. Often, annual filers must also make quarterly installment payments if their tax owing is above a certain amount.

·         Quarterly filing: Common for small-to-medium businesses. You file every three months, with each return covering one fiscal quarter. Many businesses with moderate taxable sales (say, $30k to a few hundred thousand per year) fall in this category.

·         Monthly filing: Required for larger businesses (for GST, if your annual taxable sales are above $6 million, CRA will put you on monthly reporting). Some smaller businesses opt for monthly because it helps cash flow management (smaller amounts more frequently) or they consistently get refunds. Each month’s return is due at the end of the following month.

·         Special cases: If you’re in certain sectors or have specific setups, there can be other reporting period rules, but the above three are the main ones.

For both GST and QST, the deadline to file and pay is usually one month after the end of the reporting period. For example, a quarterly return for Q1 (Jan–Mar) would be due April 30. One exception: annual GST filers often have a bit more time after year-end to file (CRA often allows three months after year-end for annual GST returns, e.g., due March 31 for a Dec 31 year-end), whereas QST annual filers may have different deadlines. Always check the exact due dates given when you registered, or ask your accountant. Keep in mind that even if you have no sales in a period, you must still file a “nil” return to avoid penalties. And if a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline usually extends to the next business day.

Mackisen’s tip: Whatever your frequency, mark the deadlines on your calendar (or better yet, let us handle it!). Both CRA and Revenu Québec will send notices if they change your frequency. As your business grows, don’t be surprised if you move from annual to quarterly, or quarterly to monthly. We monitor our clients’ status and ensure they’re always filing at the right intervals. Missing a deadline by even one day can trigger penalties, so timeliness is key. With professional help, you’ll never have to sweat the due dates – we’ve got it under control.