Don’t Let Deadlines Sneak Up — How to Stay Compliant and Penalty-Free with TPS/TVQ

Every day of delay costs money. Learn how to stay on top of your TPS/TVQ (GST/QST) deadlines, avoid costly penalties, and protect both your company’s finances and its reputation. Mackisen CPA Montreal helps Quebec businesses turn tax compliance into a mark of professionalism and financial discipline.

Filing TPS/TVQ on Time — More Than a Legal Duty, It’s a Business Advantage

In Quebec, every registered business is legally required under the Excise Tax Act (federal) and the Tax Administration Act (provincial) to file its TPS/TVQ (GST/QST) returns accurately and on time.
Beyond avoiding fines, punctual filing builds credibility — with Revenu Québec, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), your suppliers, and even your bank.

When your business meets every tax deadline, it shows reliability, structure, and accountability. It’s a habit that strengthens your reputation and keeps your cash flow predictable — all signs of a healthy business.

What Happens When You Miss a Deadline

Revenu Québec and the CRA apply strict automatic penalties for late filing or payment:

• 5% of the unpaid balance, plus 1% for each additional month, up to 12 months.

• Daily compounding interest on the overdue balance.

• Possible account freezes or delayed refunds.

Even if you had no sales, failing to file a nil return can trigger the same penalties.
Once your file is flagged, your future refunds are slowed down and your business is viewed as higher risk. Revenu Québec doesn’t issue reminders their systems automatically detect lateness.

As Le Journal de Montréal reported: “Revenu Québec no longer sends warning letters before penalties the system enforces them instantly.”

Strategies to Always File TPS/TVQ on Time

1. Know your frequency and set reminders
Your filing frequency depends on annual sales monthly, quarterly, or annual. Record your deadlines and set automated calendar alerts.

2. File early, not last-minute
Even if you’re waiting on documents, file preliminary numbers early to avoid missing the cutoff. You can amend later if needed.

3. Use online portals
Always file electronically via Mon dossier pour les entreprises (Revenu Québec) and My Business Account (CRA). E-filing ensures immediate confirmation and faster processing.

4. Keep your books updated
Reconcile GST/QST every month, even if you file quarterly or annually. This way, you’ll always have accurate figures ready to submit.

5. Let a CPA handle your deadlines
Mackisen CPA Montreal sets up automated filing calendars, reviews every declaration for accuracy, and ensures all returns are submitted on time even during busy seasons.

The Hidden Cost of Procrastination

Filing late costs more than penalties it creates stress, disrupts cash flow, and damages trust. Revenu Québec’s algorithms now flag repeated delays, which can increase your audit probability or delay future refunds.

A Montreal construction company learned this the hard way: after filing their TPS/TVQ returns two weeks late for three consecutive quarters, they were charged over $5,000 in penalties and had refund payments suspended. Once they partnered with Mackisen CPA Montreal, automated reminders and professional oversight kept every return on schedule and their account was restored to good standing within six months.

Turn Compliance Into Confidence

Meeting every tax deadline sends a powerful message: you run your business like a pro. Clients and lenders prefer working with organizations that demonstrate precision and responsibility.

Mackisen CPA Montreal helps you:

• File TPS/TVQ returns on time, every time.

• Avoid penalties and interest charges.

• Simplify your bookkeeping and cash flow planning.

• Maintain a perfect compliance record with Revenu Québec and the CRA.

With over 35 years of combined experience, our bilingual CPA team gives Quebec business owners peace of mind through precision, punctuality, and full transparency.

Key Takeaways

1. TPS/TVQ deadlines are not suggestions they’re legal obligations.

2. Missing one deadline can lead to cascading penalties and account freezes.

3. File electronically, early, and with professional review for full compliance.

4. Partnering with a CPA ensures accuracy, discipline, and faster refunds.

5. Filing on time isn’t just compliance it’s good business management.

Mackisen CPA Montreal Turning Tax Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage
With proactive systems, bilingual service, and government-level expertise, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps your business stay compliant, penalty-free, and respected.
We make sure you never miss a TPS/TVQ filing because success is built on precision and discipline.